China: – The new rail lines built at a cost of USD 3.2 billion would increase the number of subway lines in the Chinese capital to eight and the total length of the track to 200 km from 142 km. The opening comes a day ahead of the implementation of a broad traffic ban that will keep more than one million cars off Beijing‘s streets during the 8th -24th August Olympics and will add significantly to the burden on the city’s public transport system.
China capital (Beijing) has banned vehicles with odd and even-numbered licence plates on alternate days for two months starting 20th July. Beijing has invested massively on easing transport and reducing traffic congestion to encourage the residents to use public transport.
Lines include one to the airport and another to the Olympic Branch line running 4.5 kms which will carry spectators to the main Games’ venues in northern Beijing, third line will run 25 km northwest to southeast, official news agency said.