Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's first electric railway line has opened. It runs between Urumqi and Ili. Xinhua News Agency says a Turpan resident had the chance to board the first service.

He and his wife say they are pleased with the convenience it has brought them. The railway marks a new chapter for public transport in Ili. It reduces the travel time to less than 12 hours overnight with 11 stops between the two cities. The railway has been jointly constructed by China's railway ministry and Xinjiang local government. Construction work began in November, 2004.