Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway marks third anniversary

The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, a vital artery connecting the capital of the Xizang autonomous region with cities to its southeast, has transported over 3 million passengers and hauled more than 783,000 metric tons of cargo since its opening three years ago, China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group said.

Tuesday marked the third anniversary of the opening of the line, which has surpassed expectations and fueled regional growth.

It has been a game-changer for central Xizang's economy, significantly reducing travel times and unlocking new opportunities for the region to participate in domestic circulation and integrate with the country's new development strategy.

The 403-kilometer railway, linking Lhasa with Nyingchi via Lhokha, boasts a designed top speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It is the first electrified single-line railway service on the Tibetan plateau, paving the way for Fuxing bullet trains — China's fastest — to traverse the entire nation.

Travel times have been slashed. Lhasa-Lhokha journeys, once lengthy car rides, can now be completed by rail in roughly an hour, while travel times between Lhasa and Nyingchi have dropped from five hours to three-and-a-half hours.

The economic impact is undeniable. Tenzin Samdrub, a tourism official in Nyingchi, said tourist numbers have doubled at popular attractions like the Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon and Draksum Tso Lake since the railway opened.

Nyingchi witnessed a surge in tourism last year, welcoming over 13 million visitors and generating 11.6 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) in revenue.

"The harvest from tourism keeps growing year after year," Tenzin Samdrub said.

Han Chunwang, Party secretary of the Nyingchi Railway Station, emphasized the railway's far-reaching positive effects on economic development, cultural exchange and social progress along its route.

"The reduction in travel time between Lhasa, Nyingchi and other cities enhances transportation efficiency," Han said. "This provides a more convenient and comfortable travel experience for both residents and tourists."

The railway has also opened doors for local residents. More than 20 villagers from Nyingchi have found stable employment as station janitors, allowing them to better support their families.

"Local specialties and agricultural products like chili peppers from the city's Nang county and walnuts from Gyatsa county can now be transported to other parts of the country quicker and easier," Han added. "This expands their market reach and boosts their popularity."