Recently, heavy news came from the State Railway Group Co., Ltd. that the key control project of the Yunnan Tibet Railway, the Bomi Ranwu section railway with a total investment of 22.28 billion yuan, has completed all preliminary preparations and officially entered the countdown stage for construction. The commencement of construction of this project not only marks a new journey in the construction of the railway network in the southwestern border areas of China, but also has milestone significance for improving the regional transportation pattern, promoting ethnic unity and progress, and promoting high-quality economic and social development in southeastern Tibet.

The Bomi Ranwu Railway is located in Linzhi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, with a total length of about 120 kilometers and a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It is a national Class I single track electrified railway. As the core part of the Yunnan Tibet Railway, this section connects Bomi County, Ranwu Town and other important cities and towns. The line passes through the eastern part of the the Himalayas, passing through glaciers, canyons, wetlands and other complex landforms. The geological conditions are extremely special, and the construction difficulty is world-class. The project construction covers 28 tunnels and 35 bridges, with a bridge tunnel ratio of up to 92%. Many of the tunnels need to overcome technical difficulties such as high ground stress, rock burst, and water inflow, which puts extremely high demands on the technical level and safety control capabilities of the engineering construction.

In order to solve the construction difficulties, the project has organized top domestic railway construction experts to conduct multiple rounds of technical demonstrations and develop targeted construction plans in the early stage. The construction team will adopt advanced technologies such as advanced geological forecasting, intelligent tunnel excavation equipment, and new support materials to accelerate project progress while ensuring engineering quality and construction safety. At the same time, the project strictly adheres to the concept of "ecological priority and green construction", and integrates ecological environment protection throughout the entire construction process. By optimizing the route direction, adopting environmentally friendly construction techniques, implementing vegetation restoration projects, and other measures, the impact on the ecological environment along the line is minimized to the greatest extent possible, and the green mountains and rivers in southeastern Tibet are protected.

From a strategic value perspective, the construction of the Bomi Ranwu railway is an important measure to implement the national western development strategy and rural revitalization strategy. After the completion of the project, it will seamlessly connect with other sections of the Yunnan Tibet Railway, form an important transportation artery connecting Yunnan and Xizang, and significantly shorten the space and time distance between southeast Tibet and the mainland. At that time, the mineral resources and tourism resources along the route will be more efficiently developed and utilized, effectively driving the development of characteristic agriculture, animal husbandry, ecological tourism and other industries, providing more employment opportunities and income channels for local people, and helping to consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation. In addition, the railway will further strengthen the transportation guarantee capability of China's border areas, enhance regional national defense and security level, promote exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups, and strengthen the sense of community of the Chinese nation.

The relevant person in charge of the National Railway Group stated that they will coordinate resources from all parties, strictly control engineering quality, safety, and environmental protection, and make every effort to promote project construction, striving to achieve the opening and operation of the line as soon as possible. The local government of Linzhi City has also established a special working group to provide comprehensive support in land acquisition and demolition, material security, and public coordination, creating a favorable environment for project construction. Industry experts predict that the construction of the Bomi Ranwu section of the railway will accumulate valuable experience for the construction of high-altitude railways in China, promote China's railway construction technology to continue leading the world, and inject lasting momentum into the economic and social development of the Southwest region.Editor/Bian Wenjun