Critics point out that construction of high-speed rails in China is impractical and unaffordable, and won't make enough money to repay the huge bank loans used to build them. Actually, high-speed rail can pay back, but in the very long term.

The benefits for the high-speed networks or high-speed lines come not only from the immediate operating profits, but also because they help to grow the economy, bring social benefits and create jobs.

It is meaningless to argue whether China needs large-scale construction of high-speed rail. Since the decision has been made, what China should do is to make the best of it. China is a huge country, and railways are certainly a good means of transportation.

When you build high-speed lines, you give the capacity to regular lines to increase the mobility of goods. In the end, you create an economic accelerator for growth. I think this is the basic concern of Chinese decision-makers. This is a long-term strategic vision.

When the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail is completed in 2012, China will have the longest and most frequently used route in the world. This involves very complicated operating issues in terms of maintenance, timetables, and interfacing with other trains.

Greater achievements demand more work. France is celebrating 30 years of high-speed railway development next year, and Japan has had such rails for about 50 years. Other European countries like Germany and Italy have more or less 20 years of experience.

They have lots of experiences with consumer reaction, new technologies, and the maintenance of infrastructure, as well as a lot of training in safety and sustainability. Though China has made great progress, it still needs to learn from previous experience.

China should remember to be careful about safety, maintenance and services.

Constructing quickly is one issue; operating quickly means you must be very careful.

Global Times reporter Yu Jincui compiled this article, based on an interview with Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, general director of the International Union of Railways. forum@globaltimes.com.cn