Excavation has begun for the Jintang tunnel under the East China Sea, which will connect Ningbo to the Zhoushan islands and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The railway will reduce travel times significantly, linking to China’s vast high-speed railway network.

Excavation for the Jintang tunnel, an undersea high-speed railway project, commenced on Tuesday beneath the East China Sea. This significant endeavor aims to connect the city of Ningbo, located south of Shanghai, with the Zhoushan islands within Zhejiang province. According to state media reports, excavation is progressing at an average rate of approximately 16 meters (52 feet) per day. The Jintang tunnel will measure 16.18 kilometers (10 miles) in length and is projected for completion by the end of 2026, with the railway system expected to be operational by 2028. At present, the connection between Ningbo and Zhoushan is facilitated through a cross-sea bridge and ferry services. The railway will extend a total of 76.4 kilometers and is designed to accommodate trains traveling at speeds reaching 250 kilometers per hour, significantly reducing travel time from 90 minutes by car to merely 26 minutes. Moreover, this new infrastructure will enhance the connectivity of Zhoushan to China’s extensive high-speed railway network, enabling a reduction in travel time from Zhoushan to Hangzhou from three and a half hours to just 77 minutes. Notably, China possesses the largest high-speed railway network globally, with over 46,000 kilometers of railway in active service, representing more than 70 percent of the world’s total according to state media sources.

The Jintang tunnel construction represents a pivotal advancement in China’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its high-speed railway capabilities. This undersea project is part of broader efforts to streamline transportation and reduce travel times across key regions in China. The existing transportation methods between Ningbo and Zhoushan, primarily via bridges and ferries, are set to be significantly complemented by this new railway link, which underscores China’s leadership in high-speed rail development, globally recognized for its extensive network and speed capabilities.

In summary, the commencement of excavation for the Jintang tunnel marks a significant milestone in the development of undersea high-speed railway infrastructures in China. With its anticipated completion by the end of 2026 and operational capacity ready by 2028, this project promises to drastically reduce travel times and enhance connectivity between major regional hubs like Ningbo, Zhoushan, and Hangzhou. It further exemplifies China’s dominant status in high-speed railway technology and construction.

Original Source: www.scmp.com

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