New high-speed rail line completed in northeast

As the last two steel rails were connected, the track-laying work for a new high-speed rail line was completed in Heilongjiang province on Monday.

Construction started in November 2016 on the 371-kilometer line linking the cities of Mudanjiang with Jiamusi. The line is China's easternmost high-speed line and the longest in the province.

Workers overcame numerous problems, including snow, frozen ground and topography that required a number of bridges and tunnels. Nevertheless, the track-laying work was completed 23 days ahead of schedule, according to China Railway Harbin Group.

The new line, designed for trains running at up to 250 kilometers per hour, will cut travel time between Mudanjiang and Jiamusi from seven to two hours.

It is the fourth high-speed rail line in the province. Together with the previous Harbin-Qiqihar, Harbin-Mudanjiang and Harbin-Jiamusi lines, the rail network is expected to accelerate regional economic development, meet demand for a better travel experience and provide support for the revitalization of Northeast China, the group said.