BIZCHINA> From the Watchdog
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BIZCHINA> From the Watchdog
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'Everything ready' for faster trains
By Xin Dingding (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-04-23 14:58 The Ministry of Railways said April 14 that everything, including a new emergency system, is in place for April 18's speedup. As trains on trunk rail lines prepare to up their top speeds from 200 to 250 kph, the ministry has taken steps to help ease concerns about safety. Vice-Minister Hu Yadong said at a news conference that the emergency plan considered all potential situations suggested by experts. "At present, emergency rescue facilities are in place, and we have already carried out drills on every emergency plan," he said. The ministry created an inspection system that monitors the status of trains and tracks around the clock. In addition, attention will be paid to the latest weather conditions in speedup sections, he said. Weather conditions became a concern after strong winds knocked a passenger train off its tracks in theXinjiangUygur Autonomous Region in February, causing three deaths and several injuries. The vice-minister said that the speedup will be "safe and reliable" given the extensive preparations and tests. Since 2004, the ministry spent 29.6 billion yuan ($3.83 billion) to ensure high-speed trains would run at 200 kph and above along 6,003 kilometers of tracks. (For more biz stories, please visit Industries)
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