Qinghai-Tibet Railway nears completion

This June, tens of thousands of people are pouring into Qinghai and Tibet to witness the first complete test-run of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line next month.

Everything has been readied for the first plateau passenger trains to run from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xining to "the roof of the world".

These special trains can maintain a normal oxygen level, temperature and pressure so that passengers are able to breathe without difficulty. Lack of oxygen is the primary threat to passengers traversing this route. Almost all sections of the carriages are equipped with the same facilities as aircrafts. There are two oxygen supply systems: a dispersible type supply system which mixes oxygen with air via the air conditioning system, thereby maintaining a certain level of oxygen in the carriages; the other is an independent oxygen inhaler system. If passengers require more oxygen, they can use oxygen inhalers to avoid altitude sickness.

To protect the environment along the railroad, all passenger trains are equipped with vacuum sewage collection devices. Waste and sewage can only be discharged in certain places in accordance with strict rules.

Altogether there are 45 stations along the 1,142 kilometer rail line from Golmud to Lhasa and each of them affords passengers an incredibly scenic view. The construction of these railway stations is in its final phase. The design of the stations reflects the unique Chinese architectural style but uses modern construction concepts.

The construction of the main part of the world's highest railway station - Tanggula Station - has been completed. Workers are now busily decorating the building. It is located at the foot of Tanggula Mountain which is 5,068 meters above sea level. The Station will be the most important tourist depot on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line. The Station's main building is shaped uniquely like a crown.

Lhasa Station, built at 3600meters above sea level, is the terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway as well as the largest integrated depot for both passengers and freight. From a distance, Lhasa Station looks just like the famous Sagya Monastery with rich and distinctive national features. When approaching the station platform, two graceful, snow-white canopies reflect the lasting charm of modern architecture.

It is reported that tourist information offices will be set-up along various sections of the railroad for the convenience of passengers who wish to enjoy the scenery.

Visitors to Kekexili, which lies in the border areas of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, can enjoy the following: sunset shining upon the grasslands; rows of project vehicles running along the Qingshuihe Bridge; flocks of Tibetan antelopes grazing on the meadow; and a leisurely walk along the bridge.

According to the notice issued by the National Audit Office, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway construction units have invested 1.54 billion Yuan in environmental protection related investment.

"It is the first time in the history of Chinese railway construction that such a huge amount of money has been invested in environmental protection," said Huang Difu, Qinghai-Tibet Railway Construction General Commander.

To fully implement the environmental protection program, China has, for the first time, introduced an environment supervision system for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway project.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is also the first to implement policies for green construction that have until now, been absent from major projects. The construction unit has signed the very first environmental protection responsibility agreement of its kind with the provinces along the railroad. The agreement includes provisions for the construction of wildlife migration corridors, and the transplantation of greensward in high-altitude areas.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is breaking new ground in both China and the world and the successful completion of its inaugural journey is greatly anticipated.

By People's Daily Online