China's urbanization cruises in fast lane

BEIJING - The Chinese government has steered its urbanization drive into the fast lane with new measures to clear major hurdles.

Government departments have coordinated their efforts in the past few weeks on aspects that have been holding back urbanization, including the household registration (hukou) system, housing renovation and township development.

Railway land development

The State Council, the Cabinet, on Monday unveiled policies to support the efficient use of land surrounding railway stations and lines, encouraging railway operators to build stations, lines and engage in property development.

The new measures aim for benign interactions between railway construction and urban development, promoting sustainable railway development and urbanization.

Hu Cunzhi, vice-minister of land and resources, said development of railway land is a new pattern in urbanization and the ministry will give it full support.

In March, China's urbanization plans for 2014-2020 were released. By 2020, China's ratio of permanent urban residents to total population should rise to about 60 percent from 53.7 percent at the end of 2013, bringing large demand for investment in infrastructure, public services and housing.

Last Monday, a cabinet circular promised financial support for slum renovation, considered key to urbanization. The government has set the goal of subsidizing the rebuilding of 4.7 million housing units this year.

Railway boom to boost industries	China unveils landmark urbanization plan