High-speed rail link between Shanghai and Beijing set to open

[marmar]

China recently broke the world speed record for passenger trains, with a train reaching 486.1 kilometres per hour in a test run. Photo: AFP


China will open its $A33 billion high-speed rail link between Beijing and Shanghai in June, state media said on Tuesday, cutting the journey between the two cities in half to less than five hours.

The 1318-kilometre railway, which has cost 220.9 billion yuan ($A33.39 billion) to build, began construction in April 2008 and was originally planned to open in 2012.

The official Xinhua News Agency cited railways minister Liu Zhijun as saying it would start operations ahead of schedule in June this year. The report did not elaborate.

The new line is expected to provide a serious challenge to airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. The route, connecting China's capital with its most important economic hub, is one of the most lucrative for Chinese airlines. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/highspeed-rail-link-between-shanghai-and-beijing-set-to-open-20110106-19gni.html

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Buy more lead lined toys for your kids, they will be able to run

one all the way to London.... actually, just buy more anything.

[derby378]

2. Meanwhile, here in the States...

What, we don't have high-speed rail yet? If this has changed, please enlighten me...

[doc03]

3. Our new Governor turned down $400 million

in federal funds to build a high speed rail line in Ohio.

[derby378]

5. Have any word on Ashtabula County?

Last I checked, they were still in dire financial straits.

[DCKit]

4. What is really sad? The Republics will feel zero shame over this. nt