Source: CCTV.com

09-03-2008 10:58

It's been smooth running for the Beijing-Tianjin Express, since it hit the tracks early last month.

It's been smooth running for the Beijing-Tianjin Express,  since it hit the tracks early last month.

It runs at 350 kilometers per hour - in another words - 100 meters for every second. Behind the astonishing speed are years of hard work and advanced technology.

The Beijing-Tianjin Intercity line has adopted a new track that makes it more stable and durable. Its design, manufacture and assembly required precision of up to one millimeter or even 0.1 millimeter. In addition, the railway line is also emission-free and energy efficient.

Zheng Jian, Deputy General Engineer of Ministry of Railway said "We encountered a lot of challenges during the construction of this railway line. But we managed to finish the work within 3 years, which usually takes 6 to 8 years in other countries."

Officials from the Ministry of Railway say the launch of the Beijing-Tianjin line means China can now claim to have one of the best high-speed railways in the world.

But this line marks just the start of the country's high-speed rail industry. Three lines totaling 1,900 kilometers are expected to be finished in three years and about another 13 lines of 9,400 kilometers, by 2020. By then, the high-speed railway network will span more than 50,000 kilometers, and connect all provincial capitals and major cities.

Editor:Xiong Qu