(Pcb007, Nov 28, 2006) A plan to construct a transport system in the Yangze River Delta which will extend to all directions has been devised by the Chinese government to prepare this region to be the strongest economic center in China. The guidelines for the implementation of this project will be released by 2007.

The project referred as ¡°One core with six zones¡± wherein Shanghai plays a central role, aims to improve and promote the zones along the sea, river, and Hangzhou bay; to bring up the Ning-Hu-Hang(Nanjing, Huzhou and Hangzhou) and lead the progress in the ecosystem service zone around Lake Taihu, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China.

With industrial targets such as, to expand and strengthen the industries of Petrochemical, Steel, Electronics and IT Industries in able to compete with the International market; to enhance the manufacturing of equipments for traditional industries, textile, and light industries and promotion of tourism; and to accelerate the leading emerging industries of manufacturing services, biological pharmacy and new materials.

The infrastructures plan integrates two focuses of transportation and energy, to speed up the construction of transportation lines linking Shanghai and Nanjing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, Hangzhou and Ningbo, Nangjing-Huzhou-Hangzhou, and along the Yangze River and the sea, together with all transportation hubs. Meanwhile, the infrastructures for coal, oil and gas, liquefied natural gas, electricity and new energy will also be brought forward.

The project for the inter-city railway transport system linking Shanghai and Nanjing has been approved by the National Development and Reform Commission.

With a total investment of US$2.8 billion the whole route of 296 km from Shanghai to Nanjiang, calling at Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhenjiang, is designed for the top speed of 200km/h and will cut the travel time to 90 minutes.

After completion, this line will compensate the high-speed rail linking Beijing and Shanghai easing pressure on existing railway corridors between Shanghai and Nanjing, while the construction of the line between Beijing and Shanghai is due to commence at the end of 2006.

Source:Pcb007