On July 30, 2026 at 12:00, the National Highway 219 from Kanas to Haba River to Jimunai will be fully operational. This 159.641km long second-class highway traverses Kanas Scenic Spot, Habahe County and Jimunai County, which is an important part of the Xinjiang section of the G219 line and the core section of the northern Xinjiang border road network.

Two years and 159 kilometers of connectivity

The project will be commenced on July 26, 2024. The whole line will be constructed according to the standard of second-class highway, with a design speed of 80km/h. The starting point of the highway is located in Yaramam Village, Burqin County, and the endpoint is connected to the starting point of the G219 Jimunai Hebuksel Highway, which has been built in Tost Township, Jimunai County.

17 new bridges and 224 culverts will be built along the entire line, with 2 maintenance work areas and 3 parking areas set up to balance traffic safety and recreational needs. The second section was constructed by Sichuan Communications Construction Group, and the asphalt pavement was completed 4 months ahead of schedule. The extreme weather conditions with an effective construction time of only 6 months per year did not stop the construction pace.

Parallel development of culture, tourism, and logistics

The role of this highway can be summarized in two sentences. It is a scenic avenue that connects Kanas Scenic Area, grasslands along the route, and border scenery at one end, opening up a channel for rural tourism development. It is also a logistics avenue that connects to Jimunai Port at the other end, facilitating the opening of logistics channels along the border and facilitating the efficient circulation of local agricultural and animal husbandry products as well as import and export goods. The relevant person in charge of the Altay Law Enforcement Detachment of the Autonomous Region Transportation Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau stated that after the opening of the road, the travel time in the three areas has been significantly shortened, and the road conditions and safety have been comprehensively improved. Keywords: highway transportation, infrastructure construction

The G219 line is an important component of the national golden outer ring road, with a planned total length of about 10000 kilometers, and is expected to be fully connected throughout the year by 2028. The opening of the Kahaji Highway has added a crucial section to this national highway in northern Xinjiang.Editor/Cheng Liting