Project Profile: Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway (Heruo Railway)

The Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway is a landmark infrastructure project demonstrating advanced engineering solutions for construction in extreme desert environments. Traversing the Taklimakan Desert, this 825-kilometer line completes the world’s first desert railway loop, establishing a vital economic corridor in Southern Xinjiang. Its design incorporates pioneering anti-desertification technologies, particularly in viaduct and bridge construction, setting a new global standard for railway development in arid regions.

Technical Specifications

The Heruo Railway is a single-track, non-electrified line designed primarily for freight and passenger services across the challenging Taklimakan Desert. A significant portion of the route, approximately 65%, is built on viaducts and bridges to mitigate the impact of shifting sand dunes. Five major viaducts, totaling 53.7 km, elevate the track above the desert floor, allowing sand to blow freely underneath without compromising structural integrity. The 18.6 km Niya River Grand Bridge and the 8.6 km Yimlakut Bridge are prime examples of this sand-mitigation design philosophy. The project’s signaling and communication systems were installed by the China Railway Signal & Communication Shanghai Engineering Bureau Group (CRSCS), ensuring reliable and safe operations in a remote environment with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Completion of the Xinjiang Rail Loop: The HRR connects to the existing Korla-Kashgar and Golmud-Korla lines, forming a 2,712 km ring around the Taklimakan Desert. This loop significantly improves logistical efficiency and network resilience in Western China.
• Benchmark in Desert Engineering: The project serves as a global case study for overcoming extreme environmental challenges, utilizing innovative viaduct construction and anti-desertification techniques to ensure long-term operational stability.
• Catalyst for Regional Economic Development: By linking five previously isolated counties in Southern Xinjiang to the national rail network, the railway accelerates the transport of agricultural products and mineral resources, while stimulating local tourism and creating employment opportunities.

FAQ

When did the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway open?
The Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway officially began operations in June 2022. It now provides regular passenger and freight services, significantly reducing travel times across Southern Xinjiang.

Who built the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway?
The railway was primarily constructed by subsidiaries of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), including the China Railway 11 Bureau Group. The critical signaling, communication, and power systems were managed by the China Railway Signal & Communication Shanghai Engineering Bureau Group (CRSCS).