| กกกกCurrent Events: Speed is in China... |
Industries and projects are developing and improving at a rapid pace in China. Among the fastest projects covering the entire country is the expansion of the railway and high-speed train system. One of the remarkable outcomes of this project is that not only will it facilitate and enhance domestic traveling and manage the movement of hundreds of million passengers, but cities located along the railroads are emerging and facilities are improving, including hospitals and schools. These second, third and fourth tier cities are becoming new centers with more financial opportunities and better living conditions, not to mention higher real estate prices.
The standard railway system in China is the major transportation means for the world's largest population. On a daily basis, over 2,400,000 passengers travel by train. Every year, during Chinese New Year alone, the Chinese railway system carries hundreds of million passengers trying to return home in time for the celebrations. The term for this annual event is "The Great Human Migration." During this year's Chinese New Year, approximately 210 million Chinese traveled by train in just a few days leading up to the first night of traditional festivities. In 1965, the railroad covered 36,400km. By 1981, 13,781km was added for a total of 50,181km and covering about 51 cities along the way with over 50,000 embarking stations. Then, in 2000, the railway system spanned a total of 68,656km. With more kilometers added every year, today, passengers can travel to over 180 cities and board trains at over 500,000 stations. It is estimated that by 2020, the Chinese railway system will span over 100,000km. |
1965
Distance: 36,400km
Intersections: 177
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1981
Distance: 50,181km
Intersections: 217
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2000
Distance: 68,656km
Intersections: 276
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2020
Distance: 100,000km
Intersections: 700
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As part of the 11th Five-Year Plan starting in 2006, the government has increased funding for the development of China's domestic transportation means and the modernization of its logistics. In 2008, the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC) passed an additional stimulus of 4 trillion yuan to boost the growth of the railroads by way of expanding domestic demand. |
| Subway lines are also being added throughout the country. At present, the subway lines cover 1,056km and by 2015, a total of 1,700km subway lines will be fully operating. The approximate total construction fee is nearly 1 trillion yuan. |
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The next ten year development program is led by the NDRC. Below are the top 7 industries of focus for China's expansive development plans:
1. Finance & insurance
2. High-speed railway
3. Industries related with domestic demands
4. Natural resources and energy
5. Telecommunications
6. Logistics
7. Transportation |
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