Authorities from Zhanjiang in Guangdong province expressed their desire to work more closely with Guangzhou Railway (Group) Corporation to develop the coastal city into a railway transportation hub over the next few years, during a meeting held on March 11.

The move has been linked to a government initiative encouraging the construction of a high-speed train network. The initiative is expected to accelerate the development of the Donghai Island, Baotou-Haikou and Meizhou-Zhanjiang railways.

Meanwhile, the Zhanjiang West Railway Station is to be expanded following the extension of the Hepu-Zhanjiang Railway to the station, according to Liu Xiaohua, Party chief of the Zhanjiang government, during his meeting with the railway company on the day.

"We hope Guangzhou Railway will support us as always to facilitate the construction of railway infrastructure in Zhanjiang, enabling the coastal city to enter a high-speed era as early as possible," said Liu.

Wu Yong, general manager of Guangzhou Railway, said that the company will deepen its cooperation with Zhanjiang and attempt to open the Donghai Island Railway in October next year. The company also said that it will support the Hepu-Zhanjiang Railway extension project to provide better services for regional economic development.

A government delegation led by Liu Xiaohua, Party chief of the Zhanjiang government, meets with members of the Guangzhou Railway (Group) Corporation to discuss further cooperation on March 11. [Photo/zhanjiang.gov.cn]