In the next 15 years China will give emphasis to railway construction in five aspects so as to carry forward development of railway and meet demands of national economy and social development.

According to Chief economist of the Ministry of Railway Huang Min, by 2020 the operating-mileage of China's railway will reach 100,000 km; railway for cargo transport will be separated from those for passenger transport in artery lines; double-track of artery lines will realize electrification; the double-track rate and electrification rate will reach 50 percent; transport capacity and quality are to satisfy demands of national economy and social development; the principal technical equipment will reach or approach international advanced level. The work is to be done in the following aspects:

Build fast passenger transport networks. Through constructing passenger transport lines, developing inter-city rail transport and upgrading existing railway, a 30,000 km-long fast passenger transport network, with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Xi'an and Chengdu as hubs, most provincial capitals as connecting point will be built.

Improve the layout of railway networks. Expand railway network in the western region, and improve the structure in middle and eastern regions. About 16,000 km new railway will be built.

Intensify the construction of coal transport channels. Further strengthen construction of coal transportation channel to form a coal transport system with strong capacity, advanced organization and complete functions.

Build a container transport system. Put up 18 central container stations and 40 container handling stations near provincial capitals, large ports and major inland ports; form a container transport network by building new railway and upgrading existing railway.

Strengthen construction of principal hubs. Make adjustment to marshalling stations and upgrade passenger transport stations; build maintenance and repair bases for locomotives and carriages; improve structure of hubs.

Preliminary estimation shows the above projects need approx two trillion yuan, Huang Min said. To completely realize the goals set in medium and long term railway plan, government's dominant role should be further intensified and social capitals should be drawn to railway construction.

By People's Daily Online