四川为何要修一条“慢铁路”

Core Viewpoint - The opening of the Long-Luzhou-Xuyong Railway marks a significant step in enhancing the logistics network in Sichuan, facilitating faster cargo transport to Southeast Asia and integrating into the national open economy strategy [4][6][9]. Group 1: Railway and Logistics Development - The Long-Luzhou-Xuyong Railway, with a design speed of 120 km/h, significantly improves upon the previous line's speed of 40 km/h, positioning it as a "fast freight railway" despite being categorized as a "slow railway" [3][5]. - The railway is part of the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, which connects Sichuan to major ports in Southeast Asia, reducing transport time to major ASEAN ports to as little as 7-10 days, compared to at least 20 days via the previous route [4][8]. - The railway's construction was fully funded and built by Sichuan, enhancing the province's logistics capabilities and transforming Luzhou from a water transport hub to a rail-water intermodal hub [6][9]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Trade - The Western Land-Sea New Corridor has led to an average annual growth rate of 16.9% in import and export volumes along the route since 2019, with a notable increase in trade with ASEAN countries [7][8]. - The Long-Luzhou-Xuyong Railway is expected to increase annual cargo capacity by over 20 million tons, facilitating the transport of various products such as minerals, liquor, and machinery parts [8]. - The railway is anticipated to lower logistics costs by approximately 30% for certain goods, with transport times to destinations like Kunming and Beibu Gulf expected to improve by over 20% [7][8]. Group 3: Strategic Development and Future Opportunities - Experts suggest that the railway's opening presents a historic opportunity for Sichuan to integrate into the national open economy, emphasizing the need for a modern logistics system centered around Chengdu and Luzhou [9][10]. - There is a call for the development of a "channel economy" that combines transportation infrastructure with industrial growth, encouraging the establishment of high-value industries around key logistics hubs [10]. - The railway's infrastructure is seen as a catalyst for attracting new business models such as cross-border e-commerce and international trade, potentially transforming the economic landscape of the region [9][10].