Chinese Minister of Railways Liu Zhijun has revealed that China is to invest RMB 600 billion ($8.78 billion) in 2009 in the building of railways across the country. Specifically, China will lay 5,148 kilometers of new single tracks and 3,462 kilometers of double tracks. In addition, in 2009 5,849 kilometers of new tracks will be put into operation, as well as 4,662 kilometers of double tracks and 5,606 kilometers of electrified tracks.
Furthermore, the country is expected to devote more than RMB 600 billion of investments on railway building per year from 2010 to 2012, covering 31 cities (including autonomous regions). In 2009, 70 new projects with a total investment scale of RMB 1.5 trillion are expected to be launched.