photo: David Gray/ReutersChina's rapid economic growth is causing some strains - and they are increasingly evident on the roads of the country's big cities. Traffic jams fill news headlines and create headaches for a growing number of people.
Last August thousands of trucks and cars were packed nose to tail for more than 60 miles in a 10-day traffic jam northwest of Beijing. In fact, the mega blockage was the second in two months on the same stretch of road.
China and Beijing have seen double-digit economic growth, which has taken them to a national GNP per capita of $4,000 dollars, with Beijing being maybe two and a half times that. This per capital income and this kind of double-digit growth has brought about an absolute boom in motorization.
Two years ago, China responded to the global financial crisis with a stimulus plan that helped fast-track projects for new roads, bridges and railways. It funded high-speed railway lines, including a new one between Shanghai and Hangzhou, which reduces the journey from two hours to about 40 minutes since the train can reach a speed of 356 kilometers an hour.
China and Beijing have seen double-digit economic growth, which has taken them to a national GNP per capita of $4,000 dollars, with Beijing being maybe two and a half times that. This per capital income and this kind of double-digit growth has brought about an absolute boom in motorization.
World environmental experts say China's capital has one of the world's worst air pollution, which contributes to numerous health problems. Beijing is right behind New Delhi at No. 2. And there are five Chinese cities in the top twenty.
Chinese leaders are aware of this issue. The government stresses rail as an environmentally cleaner, safer and more efficient urban transportation method.
Chinese leaders are aware of this issue. The government stresses rail as an environmentally cleaner, safer and more efficient urban transportation method.
Two years ago, China responded to the global financial crisis with a stimulus plan that helped fast-track projects for new roads, bridges and railways. It funded high-speed railway lines, including a new one between Shanghai and Hangzhou, which reduces the journey from two hours to about 40 minutes since the train can reach a speed of 356 kilometers an hour.
Chinese media reports say that in the country's next five-year development plan, the proportion of spending on railways will increase by a large margin, while the amount spent on roads will fall. Until 2015 the Chinese government will invest $600 billion (four trillion yuan) to develop high speed and long-distance railroads.
adapted from Reuters, CNN, VOANews, Bloomberg
adapted from Reuters, CNN, VOANews, Bloomberg
