China Debuts Its First Overwater High-Speed Train
China's rail ambitions continue to grow with the debut of its first overwater high-speed train.
The new train line spans 277 kilometers along the southeastern coast, connecting the cities of Zhangzhou, Xiamen, and Fuzhou in Fujian province.
The trains on this route can reach a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour.
China Railway, the state railway operator, used intelligent robots and environmentally friendly corrosion-resistant steel to build the overwater rail sections.
The new line features 84 bridges, 29 tunnels, and 20 kilometers of track that goes over the sea.
This makes it the country's first over-water bullet train.
The new train line is part of the "Eight Horizontal and Eight Vertical" rail initiative announced by the Chinese government in 2016.
It aims to improve ground transportation in Fujian province, which has been challenging due to its mountainous terrain.
Additionally, the proximity of Fujian province to Taiwan has led to calls for better connectivity and integration between the two regions.
Earlier this year, a group of local government councilors in Kinmen, Taiwan, proposed building a bridge across the Taiwan Strait to create a "peace island" between Taiwan and China.
However, China's ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own territory.
China's first overwater high-speed train marks another milestone in the country's ambitious rail projects.
With its innovative construction and improved connectivity, this train line is set to enhance transportation in the region.

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