China Optimistic about Rail Link from London to Beijing

A new development in China could see passengers in London travelling by rail to Beijing or Singapore in just three days. The proposal, which China is hoping to get underway this year, could see a high-speed rail link set up between the UK, Europe, China, and other areas in Asia.

Passengers would board in London and make their way to Singapore or Beijing in less than a week. Wang Mengshu, who is a senior consultant for domestic railways in China, as well as a Chinese Academy of Engineering member, announced that they would aim for the trains to operate almost as quickly as aircraft in terms of speed.

The rail system would involve three networks. One would depart from London and make the two day journey to Beijing via the Channel Tunnel. That line would also continue onto Singapore. The second rail link would be similar but include Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

The third and final rail link would connect China to Germany, Russia, and other European railway links. Wang said the Chinese government was optimistic that all three lines could be complete in under ten years. He said that negotiations among 17 nations have already commenced.

If successful the rail project would be the biggest international infrastructure project ever. The rail networks could also carry trade materials and goods in addition to passengers. Some of the Asian network as already been started on with lines beginning in Burma in the southern Yunnan province.