The Ministry of Transport announced that it continues to accelerate high-quality development and modernization of the transportation network in China in 2023. Minister Li Xiaopeng said at the press conference held on the subject that a total fixed investment of 3,9 trillion yuan (548,7 billion dollars) was made in the transportation system throughout the year. Li stated that a total of 2 kilometers of high-speed train railways have been built and 776 kilometers of highways have been built and put into use.
Last year, a thousand kilometers of regulated water transport routes were opened in the country, and the number of airports reached 259. In addition, postal service was guaranteed for all settlements in the country, including the smallest ones. The figures show that 54,75 billion tons of cargo will be transported in 2023, recording an increase of 8,1 percent compared to the previous year and 2019 percent compared to 16,9.
Also in 2023, a total of 61,75 billion people traveled between regions. This number increased by 30,9 percent compared to the previous year and increased by 2019 percent compared to 0,8, when the pandemic started. The number of container terminals existing and under construction on a Chinese scale has brought China to the first place globally.
In addition to all this, the country's first domestically produced giant transatlantic cruise ship, Adora Magic City, set out on its maiden voyage as of January 1, 2024. Again, the first domestically produced civilian passenger aircraft, C919, has officially joined the commercial cycle.
2,5 million kilometers of roads were built in rural areas
Minister Li Xiaopeng stated that 10 million kilometers of highways have been built or renewed in rural parts of China in the last 2,5 years, and by the end of 2023, the total length of rural highways across the country has reached 4,6 million kilometers. Stating that 63 thousand damaged bridges in rural areas were renewed, Li stated that bus services were started in all districts and villages that meet the conditions throughout China and that urban and rural areas are increasingly benefiting from more balanced transportation services.