China high-speed rail lines secure two new approvals

China high-speed rail lines will expand after two new approvals. The National Development and Reform Commission approved construction of two new routes. One is a 222km line in central-western China. It is designed for speeds of up to 350km/h between Qianjiang and Jishou.

China high-speed rail lines: Qianjiang to Jishou

The Qianjiang – Jishou high-speed line will run from Qianjiang on the Chongqing – Xiamen high-speed line. It will continue to Jishou North. It will stop at Youyang West and Xiushan North.

Also, it will complete 350km/h railway infrastructure between Chongqing and Changsha via Huaihua. There, it will connect with the east-west Shanghai – Kunming line.

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In addition, construction is expected to start in September. It is expected to take five years. The National Development and Reform Commission says the cost is Yuan 44.8bn ($US 6.49bn).

Nanyang – Xinyang – Hefei line approved in eastern China

Meanwhile, the 515km Nanyang – Xinyang – Hefei high-speed line has also been approved. It will have 11 stations.

At the same time, the project includes 390km of new construction. It will also use the 125km Hefei – Wuhan section of the Yangtze River high-speed line. That section is under construction.

Separately, the line will allow faster services between Nanyang, Xinyang and Shanghai. It will avoid Zhengzhou and Wuhan, as reported by Rail Journal.

For example, the Nanyang – Shanghai journey time is expected to fall from 6h 30min. The fastest time is expected to reach 5h 30mim. Also, Xinyang – Shanghai is expected to fall from 4h 30min to 3h 42min.

Still, construction is expected to take five years to complete. The National Development and Reform Commission says the project cost is Yuan 68.1bn.

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