The Baoji-Chengdu Railway, a vital transport link in western China, has resumed operations on Saturday after a 25-day hiatus caused by severe flooding. Heavy rainstorms on July 16 and 17 unleashed over 70 geological disasters, severely impacting the railway infrastructure that connects Baoji City in Shaanxi Province with Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
One of the most affected sections was the Anhe Bridge, which was swept away by the relentless floods on July 17. This destruction forced the cancellation and diversion of all train services along the line, disrupting both freight and passenger travel.
In response to the crisis, China Railway Xi'an Bureau Group Co., Ltd. launched an intensive emergency repair operation. The company mobilized a large workforce and deployed heavy machinery, including excavators and cranes, to restore the damaged tracks and infrastructure. Their swift actions were crucial in minimizing the downtime of this key railway.
Opened in 1958, the Baoji-Chengdu Railway holds historical significance as China's first electrified railway. Nestled through mountainous terrain, the railway was designed with a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour, catering to both freight and passenger trains. Its revival not only restores essential transport services but also reinforces the resilience of China's infrastructure in the face of natural disasters.
As the Baoji-Chengdu Railway gets back on track, it stands as a testament to effective crisis management and the ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading vital transportation networks across the country.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
