Second National Railways Project (Zhe-Gan Line)

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The project development objectives are: (a) improve services provided to customers of the Zhe-Gan railway line; and (b). upgrade the quality of track maintenance on heavily used portions of China Railways' network. The project has the following three components: Component 1) The Zhe-Gan line is an integral part of the China Railways 2003-2007 Development Plan that calls for raising the speeds and improving the quality of passenger services on the major railway corridors nationwide. The track is to be upgraded on many short sections totaling about half of the track length. The line will also be electrified throughout. Once it is upgraded, the 200 km/h express trains will be operated by electric multiple units (EMUS), while slower passenger and freight trains will be operated with electric locomotives. Component 2) Ministry of Railways (MOR) also wishes to acquire additional highly mechanized, high-capacity equipment for replacing worn rail and switches, renewing ballast, and other maintenance tasks on heavy-traffic lines. Component 3) MOR will hire consultants to analyze, and make recommendations on various issues for improving business processes. MOR has proposed the following topics: traffic forecasting methods; policy framework for resettlement and environmental protection; planning and equipment standards for electrified network; and management of construction supervision.