China's fast-developing railways will phase into a new high-technology-based
nationwide operation and management network within the next
five years, according to government sources.
To speed the change, the Ministry of Railways has earmarked
an unspecified amount of funds to railway-related high-tech
projects during the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05).
A ministry document
said that to establish a nationwide railway production, management
and administration network based on advanced technologies
is the ministry's "top strategic objective" during
the five-year period.
Among the new projects
is the preparatory phase for the big-budget Beijing-Shanghai
express railway, which will begin during the period.
Ministry sources
said that many Chinese technological discoveries will be adopted
for the first time in this high-speed railway project.
Existing railways
linking Shenyang with Qinhuangdao and Qinhuangdao with Beijing
will also be renovated over the next five years, forming a
new express rail route connecting the three cities.
A high-speed rail network, on which trains travel 160 kilometers
per hour, will spread across the nation. Most artery railroads
will be linked to this high-speed railway network.
Most of China's
medium and big cities will be connected by the new network.
China's freight
trains, which now run at less than 100 kph, will also be sped
up over the next five years, reaching 120 kph.
To ensure rail
safety at the higher speeds, the ministry will establish a
nationwide railway supervision network.
Ministry sources
said that using stationary and mobile monitors attached to
an advanced computer network, the railway supervision system
is expected to cover all the busy hubs across the country
and ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.
Over the next five
years, the ministry will begin research projects on railway
construction in western China. New technologies and skills
fit for different soil and weather conditions in western China
will be explored.
A major information
network will also be put into operation and the ministry is
going to publish all its business information on the Internet.
In addition to
offering on-line ticket sales, the ministry also plans to
carry out e-business through its computer network platform,
backed by its huge transportation resources.
The ministry also
said its long-term plan for the next 15 years would focus
on technology upgrading.
"The future
of the railway industry will be based on advanced information
networks," the ministry document said.
(China Daily 04/25/2000)
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