Ren Hong, vice-director of basic industry department of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) stated that by the end of 2016, 43 cities got approval to construct subway, while 35 cities got approval to construct subway by the end of 2012. In the past 5 years, cities owning subway have increased from 17 cities to 27 cities, with operating mileage rising from 1,740 kilometers to 3,169 kilometers.
Mr. Ren said by the year of 2020, China’s mileage of urban rail will amount to 6,000 kilometers. The construction of subway will exert a positive impact on the demand for finished steel.