A train runs on the express rail line linking Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with Dujiangyan city on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. [Photo: Cao Ning/CFP]
An express rail line went into operation Wednesday linking Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with Dujiangyan city to its northwest, China News Service reports.
The 65-kilometre rail service, boasting trains that can reach a maximum speed of 220 kilometers per hour, whisks travellers from Chengdu to the scenic area of Qingchengsha in Dujiangyan in just half an hour. Passengers can also transfer to the subway system in Chengdu at Xipu station.
The opening of the railway also fell on the second anniversary of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan province which left some 70,000 people dead in 2008.
The 13-billion-yuan project, the largest investment for Sichuan in post-quake reconstruction, started construction on November 4, 2008 and went into trial operation on April 1, 2010.
Going through one of Sichuan's most populated areas, the trains on this line run at an interval of three to five minutes between 15 stations, a report on chinadaily.com.cn said.
Bridges take up 67.8 percent of the rail length, with the longest viaduct in Pixian county measuring over 21 kilometres. Transparent sound barriers were set up in rural sections to allow passengers to enjoy the views.
The ballastless tracks also allow the electric multiple unit (EMU) trains to run much faster, with more stability and less noise.
A train arrives at the Qingchengshan station on the express rail line linking Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, with Dujiangyan city on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. [Photo: Cao Ning/CFP]
