The Qinghai-Xizang Railway has demonstrated remarkable growth and operational success during China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), transporting a record-breaking 12.25 million passengers according to China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group. This achievement underscores the railway’s expanding role as a critical infrastructure asset in the region.
The extensive 4,060-kilometer network, which continues to develop, incorporates both high-speed G-series trains and conventional K-series services. This dual-system approach has significantly enhanced transportation accessibility while functioning as a pivotal catalyst for regional economic advancement and social development.
Substantial infrastructure enhancements have contributed to improved efficiency, with new stations at Tuotuohe, Budongquan, and Yanshiping supplementing the existing Y-shaped main corridor that connects Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Shigatse. These developments have produced dramatic reductions in travel duration, most notably slashing the Lhasa-Nyingchi journey from approximately eight hours to just over three hours.
Concurrently, freight operations have experienced substantial expansion, moving 34.5 million metric tons of cargo throughout the five-year period. The implementation of integrated logistics services has accelerated delivery timelines, reinforcing the railway’s central position in regional supply chains. The comprehensive rail network now serves as an indispensable component of Tibet’s transportation ecosystem, driving economic modernization while improving logistical coordination across the region.