In 2023, China continued its impressive momentum in developing and modernizing its transportation networks, investing a staggering 3.9 trillion yuan ($548.7 billion) into the sector, the Ministry of Transport announced on Wednesday.
Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng highlighted significant advancements during a press conference, revealing that the country expanded its high-speed rail network by 2,776 kilometers and built or upgraded 7,000 kilometers of expressways throughout the year. Additionally, China enhanced its maritime infrastructure by adding or improving 1,000 kilometers of shipping lanes and maintaining a robust aviation network with 259 airports operational.
Enhancing Transportation Services
China's commitment to enhancing transportation services is evident in the impressive freight and passenger numbers recorded in 2023. Preliminary statistics indicate that 54.75 billion tonnes of freight were transported, marking an 8.1% increase year-on-year and a 16.9% rise compared to 2019. Furthermore, personnel trips reached 61.25 billion, reflecting a 30.9% growth from the previous year and a 0.8% increase since 2019.
Advancing Smart and Green Transportation
Emphasizing sustainability and innovation, China has positioned itself as a global leader in smart transportation. The nation's automated container terminals continue to rank first worldwide, showcasing its advanced logistics capabilities. In urban public transportation, new energy vehicles now account for 77.6% of the fleet, underlining China's push towards greener mobility solutions.
2023 also saw the introduction of the country's first domestically built large cruise ship, the \\"Adora Magic City\\", which commenced operations on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the C919, China's inaugural domestically produced passenger jet, has entered commercial service, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aviation sector.
China's substantial investments in transport infrastructure not only bolster economic growth but also enhance the quality and sustainability of transportation services, positioning the country for continued advancement on the global stage.
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China invests 3.9 trillion yuan in transport infrastructure in 2023
cgtn.com
