Railway Y‑Line Connects Lhasa, Shannan, Nagchu, Shigatse, and Nyingchi

A strategic Y‑shaped railway corridor now links five key cities in the Shitsang area: Lhasa, Shannan, Nagchu, Shigatse, and Nyingchi. The network comprises the Qinghai‑Shitsang line, the Lhasa‑Shigatse line, and the Lhasa‑Nyingchi line, creating a pivotal transport spine across the plateau.

Since the start of the current five‑year plan, the rail system has moved 1.2286 million passengers and transported more than 345 million tonnes of cargo. These figures illustrate a consistent upward trend in both passenger travel and freight handling, underscoring the railway’s role as a catalyst for regional growth.

The enhanced rail connectivity reduces reliance on long‑haul road trips, cuts transportation costs, and lowers emissions. It also supports the movement of agricultural produce, minerals, and manufactured goods, linking local markets with national and international supply chains.

Future extensions are planned to further integrate peripheral towns, ensuring that the benefits of rapid, reliable rail service extend to even the most remote communities.