Source: Xinhua

04-21-2008 16:10

By Soni Bhattathiripad，MALAYALA MANORAMA，India

China, the land of the Great Wall, one of the great miracles of world, is all set to astonish the world with yet another miracle. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway line is to be realized in March 2006 as the tallest railway line in the world. And it would sure be a technological marvel.

Western media have described thus railway line as a venture, which is as Herculean as building the Great Wall. A railway line to the roof of the world was a dream cherished ever since the Chinese accession of Tibet. But for sundry the project remained unrealized till now.

The construction of Qinghai-Tibet railway began as early as 1962. It was the first reach from Golmod to Lhasa. The formidable part was yet to come.

From Golmod to Lhasa, soil as hard as steel, deliquescent blankets of snow, cold that chills even the soul were only a few of the deterrents. Many a time were studies conducted, every time the project was dropped. In June 2001, the Chinese government decided to tale upon this railway laying as a challenge and complete it as a prestigious project.

And it was a challenge by all means. Of the 1142 kilometers of rail from Golmod to Lhasa, 960 kilometers pass over huge mountain ranges as high as 5072 meters above sea level.

Ten million U.S. dollars were spent on study alone. The total project cost them a dear 3.2 billion U.S. dollars. Laying rails directly over the land is always under the threat of imminent landslips. Engineers have innovated to construct bridges first and lay rails above it.

Qinghai-Tibet rail has won also the credit of being the first environment friendly railway in the world. The government has set aside 8% of the total cost for conservation of environment.

Tibetan mountains and valleys are home to immense genetic diversity. Many rare species of plants and birds are housed here. Tibetan forests boast of a huge line of medicinal plants. The government set out to construct the railway line only after considering the recommendations made by the Academy of Environment Protection after years long study.

The railway line to be commissioned next year will conduct trial runs for one complete year. The government is all set to open for transport before Olympic games.

The railway line will no doubt take Tibetan tourism by leaps and bounds. Influx of tourists via road and air is already in a boom thanks to the government renovation of restrictions on visitors to Tibet.

The Chinese government believes that 90% of tourists will take on the railways once it is opened up. It would be an unforgettable expedition across full bosomed clear streams cascading down beautiful mountain ranges, sharing kisses with glistering dew drops, an amorous ride with nature. It would be the dream of any tourists from any land.

 

Editor:Liu Fang