New railroad between Lhasa and Xigaze planned in Tibet
Photo:www.asiaburning.com
Tibet ended its history without railway in July 2006 with the operation of the 1,956km Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The railway has prompted a huge surge in the number of tourists to Tibet, bringing the region billions of yuan in tourism revenue. In a long term if not being careful the tourism may cause environmental problems and exploitation. The railway has up to now transported 1.18 million passengers and 1.16 million tons of cargo since the opening last year.
A new branch line for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is planned this year, which will link the region's capital Lhasa with Xigaze, a major Tibetan city 280 kilometers southwest of Lhasa.According to the regional director of development and reform commission the new line will be the first feeder line for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
If everything goes well, the authorities hope that the feasibility study could be completed by the end of January 2007, and the preliminary design by the end of May, the actual construction will hopefully be started within the year. If the plan is followed the railway is expected to be ready by 2010.
Sources:www.chinaview.cn