(BEIJING, Dec. 17) -- China's first passenger line of trains traveling at speeds of up to 300 km per hour will make the trip between Beijing and Tianjin along the newly constructed inter-city railway track. Everything is moving on schedule for the successful operation of the trains by the Olympic Games next year. With this new link, the commute between the two cities will take a mere half hour's time.

500 m long pieces of track

At 10:35 yesterday morning, the commanding officers in charge of the project in Tianjin gave the order to carry two 500 meter long pieces of rail to the last part of the track. When they were in place, they were adjusted and their bolts were tightened securely, one by one.

Five minutes later, at 10:40 a.m., loud cries were emitted from laborers as the last pieces of the puzzle were put together. The Beijing-Tianjin inter-city railway line was completely set. Convenient intercity traffic will strengthen the economic and social ties between Beijing and Tianjin in the future.

In order to lay the very long seamless railway line, planners of the Beijing-Tianjin intercity rail adopted a 500 m long rail welding construction technology for the first time. Compared to an ordinary 100 m rail, 500 m long rails reduce joints when seamlessly welded, which will ensure stability and reduce noise. Planners of the line also used a dual paving method, which is significantly different than how railway lines were constructed in the past. As such, efficiency was increased tremendously.

Comprehensive track laying work on the railway started on November 13 . With intense speed and accuracy, laborers were able to stay on top of the planned schedule. In a month and three days yesterday, 120 km of track were laid down, completing the Beijing-Tianjin intercity rail.

High technology boards

There is a sharp contrast between the new paved Beijing-Tianjin intercity rail and the existing gravel-covered track only 10 meters away. New types of plates allow the new railway to guarantee smooth travel, as these plates, actually concrete beds (6.45 m x 20 cm, 9.6 tons), are computer adjusted, which ensure greater stability and security. This also has implications for future maintenance, as the new plates require less personal care and attention.

 

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