Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway celebrates five years of transforming connectivity in Xizang

The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has handled more than 6.25 million passenger trips and over 2 million metric tons of cargo since its opening. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, an extension of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway and the first electrified railway in the Xizang autonomous region, marked its fifth anniversary on Thursday. Since opening, it has handled more than 6.25 million passenger trips and over 2 million metric tons of cargo, according to the China State Railway Group.

The 435-kilometer railway links Lhasa, the regional capital, with Nyingchi in southeastern Xizang. Designed for speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, the line traverses some of the most challenging terrain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with more than 90 percent of its route above 3,000 meters in altitude.

Since its inauguration on June 25, 2021, the railway has connected southeastern Xizang to the national rail network, introducing Fuxing bullet train services to the plateau region. It winds through deep valleys and rugged terrain, crossing the Yarlung Zangbo River 16 times. Bridges and tunnels constitute about three-quarters of the route, highlighting the engineering challenges of building rail links in the region.

The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has handled more than 6.25 million passenger trips and over 2 million metric tons of cargo since its opening. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The railway has become a vital transport link for local residents, tourists, and businesses, enhancing mobility between Lhasa, Lhokha, and Nyingchi and facilitating the movement of agricultural products, consumer goods, and other cargo.

As part of the broader railway network serving Xizang, the line has strengthened regional connectivity, supported tourism and logistics, and contributed to local economic development, the company stated.