Above the clouds: high-speed rail rises in Chongqing’s mountains
In Chongqing, one of southwest China’s largest cities, construction is underway on a high-speed rail line located literally “above the clouds.” This ambitious project is part of China’s national strategy to integrate remote mountainous regions with the country’s core economic centers.
The construction site spans challenging terrain — steep slopes, deep gorges, and sharp elevation changes. Engineers are tackling these difficulties by building bridges, tunnels, and viaducts designed to withstand the area’s high seismic activity. Despite harsh natural conditions, the project is progressing on schedule.
The new line will link Chongqing with major cities such as Chengdu and Guiyang and form part of the country’s expanding high-speed rail network. Trains will reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, dramatically cutting travel time and boosting regional mobility and economic potential.
Beyond transport, the rail line is expected to accelerate development in tourism, trade, and logistics. The Chinese government views transportation infrastructure as a cornerstone of sustainable growth and regional integration.
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