国家发展改革委：推进城际铁路健康可持续发展

Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has issued the "Opinions on Promoting the Healthy and Sustainable Development of Intercity Railways," marking the first official document focused on intercity railways, aimed at enhancing policy guidance and support for higher quality and sustainable development [1] Group 1: Policy and Planning - The document emphasizes comprehensive management throughout the planning, construction, and operation of intercity railways [1] - Intercity railways are identified as a key passenger transport mode between major cities within urban clusters, with significant progress in the planning and construction of intercity railways in key regions [1] - The backbone network of intercity railways in the four major urban clusters (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle) is nearing 1,800 kilometers, facilitating 1 to 2-hour connectivity between major cities [1] Group 2: Functional Positioning - The "Opinions" specify that intercity railways will primarily connect central cities within urban clusters and large and medium-sized cities with a resident population of over 500,000, focusing on high-density, flexible transport modes to meet short to medium-distance travel needs [2] - Priority is given to the planning and construction of intercity railways in economically active and densely populated urban clusters [2] - New intercity railways are required to have a minimum bidirectional passenger flow density of 15 million trips per year, with design speeds typically ranging from 120 to 200 kilometers per hour [2]