New airport expressway to transform eastern Xizang transport

Construction began this week on a section of National Highway G214, connecting Gyakha to Bangda Airport in Chamdo, Xizang autonomous region.

This infrastructure project signals a transformative era of high-speed transportation in the eastern part of Xizang. On Monday, a ceremony was held in Chamdo.

An extension of Phase 1 of the Gyakha-to-Chamdo section, the new highway will connect with the completed 27.1-kilometer segment to form a comprehensive 97.8-kilometer airport expressway. Once completed, the route will create vital links between Chamdo, Bangda Airport, and major transportation hubs, while strengthening economic ties along the national highway G317 and G318.

The Phase 2 project spans 70.79 kilometers, with 38 bridges, 21 tunnels, and an intricate 7-kilometer spiral tunnel system.

With a total investment amounting to 8.48 billion yuan ($120 million), the construction is slated for completion within three years.

The ambitious project integrates high-grade road standards and innovative technologies to ensure environmental sustainability and construction accuracy.

"We are committed to delivering a high-quality and eco-friendly highway by utilizing intelligent construction and stringent monitoring systems," said Shao Tong, deputy manager of Chamdo Section II of China First Highway Engineering Group.

For residents like Lobsang Champa from Chamdo, the new road represents economic prosperity. "Travel time to Bangda Airport will be halved, enabling us to transport local specialties, such as caterpillar fungus, to wider markets," he said.

Lobsang Gedeng, deputy head of Chamdo's traffic and transportation bureau, highlighted the project's significance in forming a multi-modal transport hub for land, air, and rail. "The expanded network is expected to integrate tourism, agriculture, and industry, propelling Chamdo's regional economy to unprecedented heights," said Lobsang Gedeng.