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China's rail network receives boost

(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-11-21 11:03

Investment in railway construction has reached a record high this year after the government announced a dramatic increase in spending on transport infrastructure to spur domestic demand.

Major railway construction projects are underway all around the country.

The Ministry of Railways says investment in railway construction in the fourth quarter of 2008 will reach 150 billion yuan -- equal to the total amount for the first three quarters of the year.

Experts say railway construction should be the leading force in boosting domestic demand, because it involves a long chain of industry and creates millions of jobs.

Trains are the most popular means of transport in China.

And the capacity of the current rail network is far from adequate.

Railway construction can also benefit local economies. Following the improvements brought by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to people living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, more areas in this region will be covered by a new railway network.