Sept. 18, 2016 -- The last 2 kilometers on the section between Golmud and Lhasa of the Qinghai-Tibet railway completed track replacement on Sept. 12. 

 

The work began in 2010 with a total investment of close to 1.3 billion yuan.

 

The high-elevation line connects Xining, Qinghai Province with Lhasa, Tibet. It’s the world’s highest railway that boasts the longest section in plateau areas.

 

The 25-meters long tracks previously used were designed to prevent thermal expansion and contraction. However, a small gap between each track may bring damage to the wheel and rail, increase the difficulty of maintenance, limit the speed of the train, and reduce travel comfort of passengers.

 

According to the railway company, the new 500-meters long seamless tracks have a higher density and strength, which means faster speed and more comfort.

 

Since its inauguration a decade ago, Qinghai-Tibet railway has seen more than 115 million passenger trips and transported 448 million tons of freight.