Web Exclusive

Guizhou to invest 550-600b yuan on transportation

By Hao Yan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-03-09 16:40

Zhao Kezhi, governor of Southwest China's Guizhou province, speaks at a press conference on March 9, 2011, in Beijing. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn]

Guizhou plans to invest 550 - 600 billion yuan ($84 - $91 billion) in 3,017 kilometers of railways and 2,993 kilometers of expressway during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2011-2015), the province's governor said at a press conference Wednesday in Beijing.

Related readings:  China to upgrade expressway network over next 5 years  Transport ministry defends controversial expressway tolls  China to realize online train ticket booking this year  High-speed rail stays on track

The majority of the planed railway lines are for passengers with a designed speed of 200-250 kilometer per hour (km/h), while some are passenger high-speed rail with a designed speed of 300-350 km/h, Governor Zhao Kezhi said.

"The construction for the province's railways and expressway may require 80 million yuan per kilometer, and the cost is nearly 100 million yuan in some places with many tunnels or bridges," said Zhao.

Zhao said the province will boost its investments on transportation. The province will set up financing systems to help raise construction funds, and transfer the right of usage and toll fee collection in certain sections of the railways and roads.

Both national enterprises and private companies can invest in the province's road constructions. Overseas investments are also welcomed, Zhao said.