China opens new rail lines

A Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed intercity train pulls out of the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai, Oct 26, 2010. [Photo/VCG]

BEIJING - China's railway network is expanding steadily, with more than 3,200 kilometers of tracks expected to go into operation this year, according to the China Railway Corporation.

The new lines, totaling 57 projects, will help boost passenger capacity by 7.5 percent during the coming Spring Festival peak travel period, the corporation predicted.

China has a vast and efficient railway network, but construction has lagged behind in the less developed western regions.

As the economy falters, the government is looking to boost infrastructure investment in needy areas to support economic growth.

The efforts have taken effect to some extent, with fixed-asset investment in the sector reaching 542.3 billion yuan ($80 billion) in the first three quarters, up 10.3 percent year on year, according to official data.