In response to the 13th Five Year Plan, the national economic and social development plan outline of Tibet Autonomous Region put forwards that "Tibet aims to create the 3-hour economic circle that centers around Lhasa, and radiates Shiagtse, Lhoka, Nyingchi and Ngaqu." Then it will be slashed by one hour compared to the requirement of the 12th Five Year Plan.

During the 12th Five Year Plan period, the construction section of Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway, Nyingchi Miling airport fast-track, Galai Mountain tunnel and Yajiangte Bridge opened to traffic. In addition, Lhasa-Shigatse Railway was put into operation. Through the high gradation of national and provincial arteries as well as the extension of railways, the traffic condition of central and southern Tibet is improved greatly.

Previously, it takes a whole day for Tibetans and tourists to travel between Lhasa and Shigatse. Now, the operation of Lhasa-Shigatse Railway only takes 3 hours, making people’s life more easier and convenient.

For Tibet, traffic is closely linked to its development. The construction of a series of pivotal infrastructure projects plays an effective role in the masses' life, poverty alleviation, tourism development, livelihood improvement, social stability, borderland construction and many other fields.

During the 13th Five Year Plan period, the Phase II project of Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway is carried out orderly and is expected to be completed by next year. The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway is still under construction and the fast track from Lhasa to Zetang started construction on Aug. 26 this year. Apart from that, the reconstruction and extension project of the terminal area of Nyingchi Miling airport will be completed this year. The main project of Lhasa ring road is planed to be built up this year, too. In addition, the preliminary work of Lhasa-Ngaqu Highway and Lhasa-Maizhokunggar Railway line is carried out smoothly.

Ma Jinglin, deputy director of Tibet Development and Reform Commission, indicates that the comprehensive transportation construction of highway, railway and air is being put forward and upgraded, which is about to stringpoint into line soon. Previously, the central and southern Tibet mainly relys on road network, while now the three-dimensional comprehensive transportation network not only provide fast and convenient traffic, but also can meeta variety of travel demands for the masses.

At present, people can deeply feel that there is obviously aggregation effect and competitive advantage for the speeding up of the central and southern Tibet economic circle. Lhasa and other central cities are gradually becoming the locomotive of economic development and the core of the “One Belt and One Road” strategy.

By: Zhi Xinghua