November 22, 2007 -- There are five railway lines under construction now in Xinjiang, with a total investment of 26.6 billion yuan (US$3.5 billion), reported Xinhua News. Four of these are new projects that have started this year.

The four new railway projects that started this year are Wujing Line 2 of Lanxin Railway, Tuku Line 2 in South Xinjiang, Kuibei Railway in April and Wuzhun Railway in November. Another railway line from Kashen to Hetian will start next year, while pre-phase preparations for other railways include the Hami to Linhe Railway, Korla to Germu Railway and Hami-Ruoqian Railway will also commence in 2008.

It is estimated that the total length of Xinjiang's railways will exceed 8,000 kilometers by the year 2020. It will then become the most important railway hub in the west of China reported Xinhua.