Bohai Sea underwater railway to be considered for 13th five-year plan

However, the connection will promote economic development in the region, especially in provinces with advanced steel industries like Liaoning, Hebei and Shandong, said Zhang Dawei, a School of Finance professor at Hebei University of Economics and Business.

This project would enhance economic interaction among Shandong, Liaoning, Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei by connecting the two peninsulas, noted Zhang Zhiyuan, dean of the Research Institute of Regional Economy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics.

It is predicted that by 2020, the potential passenger flow volume between the two areas will reach about 300 million, with the figure for the underwater high-speed rail to hit 180 million to 240 million.

It is calculated that the first phase of the project might cost 200 billion to 250 billion yuan ($32.1 billion - 40.2 billion).

According to Zhang Jiangyu, a railway expert, the initiative faces complex geographical factors such as geology and tides.

The project was first put forward in 1992, after which the State Council, China's cabinet, supported further research into its possibilities.

Its effects on the environment and economic development still need to be verified.

Previous Page 1 2 Next Page

Previous Page 1 2 Next Page