China is making a significant investment in the development of the Ningbo-Zhoushan high-speed railway in Zhejiang province, a project that will revolutionize transportation and boost regional connectivity. With a budget of 27 billion yuan ($4.12 billion), this 77-kilometer railway will bridge the gap between the Zhoushan Islands and the mainland, connecting key cities and enhancing economic growth.
Construction began in November 2022, and the project is expected to be completed by 2028. The railway line is designed to feature a unique dual-purpose rail-road infrastructure, showcasing impressive feats of engineering. It will include the world’s longest combined railway-highway bridge, the Xihoumen bridge, spanning an impressive 3.11 kilometers. This bridge will boast a 1,488-meter main span, accommodating dual railway tracks and three highway lanes on each side, providing a seamless blend of road and rail transportation.
Another remarkable aspect of the project is the Jintang Undersea Tunnel, a critical 16.18-kilometer segment reaching depths of 78 meters. Two powerful tunnel boring machines, aptly named Dinghai and Yongzhou, are diligently excavating the tunnel and are set to meet mid-sea, demonstrating the scale and complexity of this endeavor.
Once operational, the high-speed rail will play a pivotal role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, promoting economic integration within the Yangtze River Delta region. It will significantly reduce travel times between key cities, connecting Ningbo, Zhoushan, and Hangzhou in just 26 and 77 minutes, respectively.
The route will incorporate seven stations, starting at Ningbodong station and ending in Dinghai district on Zhoushan Island. Trains will travel at speeds up to 250 km/h, making the journey quick and efficient.
This ambitious project is a testament to China’s commitment to technological advancement and infrastructure development, transforming transportation networks and strengthening regional connectivity. The Ningbo-Zhoushan high-speed rail is poised to become a flagship project, driving economic growth and solidifying China’s position as a global leader in infrastructure development.
