Beijing has extended the Qinghai-Tibet railway to Xigaze on the border with India and Nepal to strengthen its control over its border area and boost tourism in the region.
The railway between Tibet's capital Lhasa and Xigaze is said to open to public before October this year, reports the Times of India. The 253 kilometer (km)-long extended railway passes through the valleys and the three bridges across the Yarlung Zangbo River, shortening the traveling time between Lhasa and Xigaze from four to five hours to two.
India has been concerned whether Beijing would extend the railway further to Nepal, which has suggested China bring the railway all the way to China-Nepal border. Experts said Beijing has made the plan but halted over considerations to India's response.