The total length of railways in the western region of China is expected to be extended significantly in the coming several years as the state steps up its efforts in railway construction in the region.

Wang Linshu, chief engineer with the Ministry of Railway disclosed at the ongoing Western China Forum that the total length of railways in western China will reach 27,500 km by 2005, accounting for 36.7 percent of the country's total length of railways open to traffic.

Wang said that railways linking the western region with the eastern part of the country, and railways connecting provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in the western region will be built during the 2001-2005 period. The total investment will reach 127 billion yuan (US$ 15.3 million).

By the end of 2000, the total length of railways in the western region was 23,700 km, or 34.8 percent of the national total.

(Xinhua 09/06/2001)