A new high-speed railway opened in East China's Anhui province on Friday, significantly enhancing connectivity within the Yangtze River Delta region, according to the national railway operator China State Railway Group.

The 115-kilometer line, which connects Xuancheng and Jixi city in Anhui, boasts a designed speed of 350 km/h. This new route slashes travel time between the two cities to just 39 minutes, a remarkable reduction of 1 hour and 46 minutes compared to existing train services.

Construction of the line began in March 2021 and involved the engineering of 87 bridges and 53 tunnels. To mitigate risks and expedite the project timeline, the construction team employed innovative techniques, including prefabricated structural designs.

According to Xie Yaojun, an engineer with China Railway Design Corp, the project utilized a fully steel-structured frame and a comprehensive installation method to ensure safety during construction, setting a new benchmark for safety in railway engineering.

The new railway connects with several existing high-speed lines, including the Hefei-Hangzhou, Hefei-Fuzhou, and Hangzhou-Nanchang routes, making it a crucial component of the Yangtze River Delta railway network. Its inauguration not only facilitates easier travel for residents along the route but also bolsters the development of key tourist destinations in the region, according to the company.

As the Yangtze River Delta continues to grow as an economic powerhouse, this high-speed railway is poised to play a vital role in enhancing mobility and fostering regional development.