Modern comprehensive transportation system for 14th Five-Year Plan approved

The State Council outlined a modern comprehensive transportation system during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period in a circular issued on Jan 18, 2022.

According to the circular, by 2025, the comprehensive transportation system will see integrated development with an improved facility network, more effective transportation services, and more advanced technical equipment.

More than 95 percent of cities with a population of over 500,000 will be covered with the high-speed railway network with the trains running at 250 kilometers and above per hour.

Meanwhile, main transportation lines and transportation of grains, energy commodities, and ores will be more secure with extensive use of clean low-carbon facilities to reduce emissions.

By the year 2035, a convenient, economical, efficient, reliable, green, and advanced modern national comprehensive transportation network will be basically completed.

To build a high-quality transportation network, efforts will be made to improve major transportation passages and build multi-layered and integrated comprehensive transportation hubs, covering key cities, and passenger and cargo transport hub systems.

In addition, the nation will build a modern railway network and improve road networks with secondary and above highways occupying 70 percent of the national highway system in the western region.

An improved waterway transportation facility network and expanded aviation network are also planned.

The circular highlights the leading and supporting role of transportation in territory development and protection, particularly in major regional strategies, coordinated regional development, and rural revitalization.

To that end, the integrated urban-rural transportation and roads and airports in border areas will be improved.

A modern transportation system in urban clusters and metropolitan areas will be also established, the circular said.

Premium transportation services will be in place, including passenger trip services, effective freight services, and modern postal delivery services.

The circular asks for in-depth and accelerated application of smart technologies, highlighting the integration of the internet, big data, artificial intelligence, blockchains and the transportation industry.

In addition, high-level opening-up and cooperation is of great significance in the transportation field, the circular stressed.

The nation will further promote interconnected infrastructures with neighboring countries, construct railways and highways in port areas and boundary river channels, and intensify work on land transport passages to Russia, Mongolia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia.

High-quality development of China-Europe freight trains and secured international logistics chains are also listed in the circular.