Improved connectivity drives growth in Xizang

The Xizang autonomous region's modern transportation network, spanning more than 120,000 kilometers of highways along with expanding rail and air links, is driving economic growth, social progress and deeper integration with the rest of China.

By the end of last year, Xizang's total road mileage had reached 124,900 km — nearly double the figure in 2012 — marking a significant milestone in the region's transportation infrastructure, according to the regional transportation authority.

Rural connectivity also saw major progress, with 309 rural road projects completed last year. The projects added 17 townships to the paved road network, raising the township connectivity rate to about 98 percent. The total rural road mileage reached 94,800 km, said Dawa Ngodrub, deputy head of the region's transportation department.