BEIJING - The Chinese government on Wednesday announced a plan to further improve nationwide transportation between now and 2015.

The State Council, China's cabinet, said ten massive transportation routes crisscrossing the country will take form by 2015, as well as a high-speed railway network and a state-level expressway network.

Railways will reach all bulk commodity distribution centers and cities with a population of more than 200,000 by 2015, according to a statement released after a regular meeting of the State Council.

Meanwhile, roads will extend to nearly all towns and large villages in rural regions, the statement said.

Authorities also plan to expand shipping services to all corners of the world and construct 42 comprehensive traffic hubs across the country by 2015, the statement said.

The statement said China will stress safety, quality and good planning in its drive to build a comprehensive transportation network.

Private investors will be encouraged to invest in the construction of transportation infrastructure and facilities, the statement said.