Travel partially resumes

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-01-2008 08:40

The worst snowfalls in decades have eased up in parts of southern China. Rail and air transport have gradually resumed in these areas. But conditions are still severe on some roads in snow-hit regions.

After several days of intense repair work, the southern section of the Beijing-Guangzhou railway is now back in operation, greatly alleviating pressure on the transport system.

The Guangzhou section of the Beijing-Zhuhai expressway, a north-south trunk road, has been partially reopened.

But continuous snow and low temperatures are again blocking road transport coming from the north, with about 50 buses passing per hour. Vehicles are waiting in long queues.

Local authorities advise using alternate routes to enter Guangdong province by way of neighboring regions. In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 3,000 vehicles have been permitted to use the highway without fees.

Local police have also come to help stranded travellers transfer to other routes.

The Ministry of Railways says rail transport has become steady with the majority of sections improving.

After several days of intense repair work, the southern section of the Beijing-Guangzhou railway is now back in operation, greatly alleviating pressure on the transport system.

Passenger capacity from Guangzhou is expected to be at 400-thousand per day. 400 passenger trains will be sent in the Guangzhou area and about 440-thousand people will board trains.

Airports in many provinces have gradually resumed services. Nearly 300 additional airplanes have been sent to transport delayed passengers.

In Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Lukou International Airport has been reopened after it was forced to close for over two days. All passengers have been sent to their destinations. Airport staff are preparing for possible heavy rain and snow in the next few days.

Zhang Youfu, vice manager of Nanjing Lukou International Airport, said, "More than 230 planes are operating normally, carrying about twenty thousand passengers. Thanks to staff efforts, all the stranded passengers are now able depart."

Weather experts say southern China will suffer a new round of rain and snow in the next few days. Freezing rain may bring further transport problems to Hunan, Hubei and Jiangxi.

Editor:Zhang Ning