Dali-Lincang Railway

Dali-Lincang Railway (大临铁路), also known as the Dali-Lincang Line (大临线), is a major electrified railway connecting Dali (大理), in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), and Lincang (临沧), in Lincang City (临沧市), located in Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This important railway line not only serves as a transportation link between central and western Yunnan but also connects to key border areas such as Qingshuihe Port (清水河口岸), facilitating trade with neighboring countries.

Key Details

• Opening Date: December 30, 2020

• Total Length: 201 kilometers

• Railway Grade: National Rail Class I (国铁Ⅰ级)

• Design Speed: 160 km/h

• Operational Speed: 160 km/h

• Total Stations: 19 stations (with 5 stations for passenger services)

1. Construction and Development

Construction Timeline

• December 6, 2015: Construction of the Dali-Lincang Railway officially began.

• May 18, 2016: The 10 kV line for the Lincang section was electrified.

• October 30, 2019: The entire line started construction of communications, signals, power, and station facilities.

• June 15, 2020: Track-laying commenced.

• November 15, 2020: Completion of track laying and the full completion of station buildings.

• December 30, 2020: The railway officially opened for operation.

Challenges Faced

The construction of the Dali-Lincang Railway posed significant engineering challenges, including the construction of 69 bridges and 35 tunnels, with 4 long tunnels exceeding 10 kilometers in length. The railway's high proportion of tunnels and bridges (87.25% of the total route) made the project particularly complex and difficult.

2. Route and Stations

Route Overview

• The Dali-Lincang Railway connects Dali Station (大理站) in the north with Lincang Station (临沧站) in the south, covering a total distance of 201 kilometers.

• The railway crosses through the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州) and Lincang City (临沧市), passing through regions such as Weishan (巍山), Nanjian (南涧), and Yunxian (云县).

• Key landmarks along the route include the Lancang River (澜沧江), providing passengers with scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Main Stations

• Dali Station (大理站) – Starting point of the railway.

• Weishan Station (巍山站) – Located in Weishan County (巍山县), part of Dali Prefecture.

• Xiaowan East Station (小湾东站) – Situated in Nanjian County (南涧县).

• Yunxian Station (云县站) – Located in Yunxian (云县), Lincang City.

• Lincang Station (临沧站) – Final destination of the railway.

3. Train Operations and Facilities

Train Equipment

The Dali-Lincang Railway operates with CRH2G high-speed trains, part of the Harmony series (和谐号), known for their smooth rides and comfortable seating. These trains provide spacious cabins, ideal for both short and medium-length trips.

Electrical Systems

• The railway has 6 traction substation facilities along the line, ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for operations.

• Traction Type: Electric locomotives and electric multiple units (EMU).

4. Railway Operations

Initial Service

• Upon opening in December 2020, the Dali-Lincang Railway initially ran 3 pairs of trains daily between Dali and Lincang, with one additional pair running between Lincang and Kunming South (昆明南).

• The fastest trip between Dali and Lincang takes approximately 1.5 hours.

5. Engineering Achievements and Challenges

Significant Engineering Projects

The railway’s construction was marked by several major engineering projects, including long tunnels and complex bridges:

• Damaidi Tunnel (大麦地隧道) – An 11.65 km tunnel in Dali City (大理市) that faced issues such as rapidly changing rock conditions and unstable strata.

• Weibaoshan Tunnel (巍宝山隧道) – A 4.98 km tunnel in Weishan County (巍山县) facing challenges from landslides and harmful gas emissions.

• Hongdou Mountain Tunnel (红豆山隧道) – A difficult tunnel of 10.6 km that passes through the Wuliang Mountain (无量山脉), known for its complex geological conditions.

6. Construction Challenges

The construction of the Dali-Lincang Railway involved overcoming numerous geological and environmental challenges:

• Tunnel Construction: The project involved 35 tunnels, including several with hazardous geological conditions such as high groundwater flow and the presence of toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide.

• Bridge Construction: The Lancang River Bridge (澜沧江大桥), a 431.6-meter-long bridge, required overcoming difficulties due to its location in a deep, water-filled gorge and the complex geological conditions of the region.

7. Strategic Importance and Future Development

Regional Connectivity

The Dali-Lincang Railway is a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative (一带一路), connecting Yunnan with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The line facilitates access to the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and connects Kunming (昆明), Lijiang (丽江), and other regions in the Yunnan province with Myanmar and beyond.

Economic and Cultural Benefits

• Local Economy: The railway plays a significant role in enhancing the economic development of Lincang (临沧), providing greater access to trade, tourism, and regional integration.

• Cross-Border Trade: With links to the Qingshuihe Port (清水河口岸), the railway supports international trade between China and Myanmar, as well as the broader South Asia region.

Future Expansion Plans

• The railway will eventually connect to Mengding (孟定) and Qingshuihe (清水河) railway lines, facilitating even greater connectivity with Myanmar and further integration into the Belt and Road initiative.

The opening of the Dali-Lincang Railway (大临铁路) marks a significant achievement in Yunnan’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing both regional and international connectivity. It strengthens the local economy, facilitates cross-border trade, and supports the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a vital link between Dali, Lincang, and Kunming, the railway is poised to contribute to the continued growth and integration of the region.