Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway makes big progress

Construction of the  Xuantian Lake Tunnel, a critical segment of the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, comes to an end.  [Photo/WeChat account of Liangjiang New Area] 

The new Xuantian Lake Tunnel, a critical segment of the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, was successfully completed on July 8. 

Located in the Xuantian Lake scenic area in Tongliang district of Chongqing in Southwest China, the tunnel has a twin-track design engineered for speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour and stretches 527 meters. 

To ensure its smooth completion, the construction team implemented rigorous measures to protect the reservoir dam's safety and the ecological system and environment of the scenic area, including employing controlled blasting techniques to safeguard nearby structures. 

During construction, three karst cavities were discovered within the tunnel, posing significant challenges. These were addressed through enhanced geological surveys, initial support measures and cavity filling to ensure the project's orderly progress. 

The railway line is said to be a vital part of China's high-speed rail network along the Yangtze River –  begining at Chongqing North Station, passing through Yubei district and Ziyang and terminating at Chengdu Station. The main line spans 292 kilometers and is designed for speeds of up to 350 km per hour. 

The railway is expected to significantly enhance the transportation network of  the Chengdu-Chongqing region. It is projected to reduce the travel time between the two cities to less than one hour, greatly facilitating travel for residents along the route, noted a local official. 

The official added that this development would  play a crucial role in supporting the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and help form a new pattern of development in Western China.