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World's longest high-speed rail starts operation

By Zhao Lei (China Daily) Updated: 2012-12-27 02:08

"The Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway connects the economic area around Beijing with the Pearl River Delta.

"Considering the population and levels of development of the two economic zones, they are undoubtedly important engines for China's economy, therefore improving the transport system will definitely increase exchanges between the two in terms of investment, talent and information."

World's longest high-speed rail starts operation

The G502 high-speed train arrives at Changsha South Railway Station in Central China's Hunan province on Dec 26, 2012. The train is on the new Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed rail route. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tian Xuebin, an economic researcher at Hebei University of Economics and Business, said the new link will advance the economic integration of cities along the line, help optimize their industries and bring more opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways has retained cheaper, but slower, train services on the old Beijing-Guangzhou line for those who can't afford the comparatively expensive tickets on the new line.

Contact the writer at zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn

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