Core Viewpoint - The completion of the Three Gorges New Channel will significantly enhance logistics in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, facilitating smoother water transport and greater demand, thereby benefiting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has approved the feasibility study report for the Three Gorges Waterway New Channel project, which is set to commence construction within this year [1][2]. - The project represents the largest comprehensive engineering plan on the Yangtze River, integrating water conservancy, navigation, and ecological functions, with a static total investment of approximately 766 billion yuan and a total construction period of 100 months (excluding a 12-month preparatory period) [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The Three Gorges New Channel is crucial for addressing navigation bottlenecks at the Three Gorges and Gezhouba hubs, thereby enhancing the overall connectivity of various transportation modes along the Yangtze River [3][7]. - The project is expected to promote economic and social development in the regions along the Yangtze River, aligning with the strategic goals of the Yangtze River Economic Belt [2][3]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The new channel will facilitate smoother logistics connections between upstream regions (such as Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou) and downstream areas, as well as coastal regions and international markets, ultimately reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency [3][7]. - The construction of the new channel is anticipated to significantly enhance the logistics capacity and demand in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, which accounts for nearly half of the national economic output [7]. Group 4: Historical Context - The Three Gorges Ship Lock has seen a substantial increase in traffic since its opening in June 2003, with cumulative freight volume surpassing 2.2 billion tons by March 2025, indicating a saturation of its current capacity [4][5]. - The need for the new channel has been underscored by the increasing operational load on the Three Gorges Ship Lock, which has faced congestion issues due to rising shipping volumes over the past decade [5][6].