The First Electrified Railway in Tibet: Achievements and Prospects

The commissioning of the first electrified railway in the Tibet Autonomous Region in southwestern China has become a significant event for both the region and the entire country, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Three years since the opening of the Lhasa-Nyingchi line on June 25, 2021, the China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group reported that over 3 million passengers and more than 783,000 tons of cargo have been transported.

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This achievement indicates significant changes in the region’s transportation infrastructure and economy.

Transportation Advantages

The Lhasa-Nyingchi line, stretching about 435 kilometers, has reduced travel time between these two important points from 5 to 3.5 hours, greatly enhancing accessibility and convenience for locals and tourists.

The high-speed Fuxing electric trains operating on this line reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, making travel not only fast but also comfortable.

Notably, over 90% of the route runs at an altitude of more than 3000 meters, which is a unique engineering feat.

Economic Development and Tourism

In 2023, the city of Nyingchi was visited by more than 13 million tourists, generating revenue of 11.6 billion yuan (about 1.6 billion US dollars).

The development of railway infrastructure has opened new opportunities for tourism, improved the quality of life for residents, and contributed to the creation of new jobs.

The railway has also played a crucial role in the transportation of local goods, handicrafts, and agricultural products, fostering regional business and economic growth.

Construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway

The Lhasa-Nyingchi line is part of the ongoing Sichuan-Tibet railway project, which will span over 1600 kilometers.

The first section of this railway, Chengdu-Ya’an, was put into operation in December 2018.

The entire railway is scheduled for completion by 2030, allowing trains to run from Lhasa to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

The electrified Lhasa-Nyingchi railway has not only improved transportation accessibility and travel comfort but also become a significant factor in the region’s economic growth.

The ongoing construction of the Sichuan-Tibet railway promises further improvements in the transportation network and economic indicators, ultimately leading to more harmonious and sustainable development of the Tibet Autonomous Region and neighboring regions of China.

Photo: China Daily

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