Core Points - The establishment of an expert group by the Planning and Standards Research Institute to evaluate the feasibility of the Zhanjiang to Haikou high-speed railway project, which is crucial for enhancing transportation capacity between Hainan Island and the mainland [1] - The project is part of the "Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal" railway network and is included in the Medium- and Long-term Railway Network Plan, aiming to support Hainan's development as a free trade port and international tourism island [1][2] - The project will utilize a ferry system for crossing the Qiongzhou Strait, with a 23-kilometer ferry route planned, as opposed to constructing a bridge due to geological and environmental challenges [3] Summary by Sections Project Overview - The Zhanjiang to Haikou high-speed railway is a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and transportation efficiency between Hainan and Guangdong provinces [1][2] - The project has been in discussion since 2014, with increasing urgency in recent years due to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan's free trade port initiatives [2] Technical and Economic Aspects - The expert group will analyze various aspects of the project, including functional positioning, construction plans, technical standards, investment costs, and economic benefits, to provide technical support for the National Railway Administration [1] - The project is expected to enhance the capacity of Hainan's external railway connections, which have historically relied on sea and air transport [1] Transportation Solutions - The ferry system will be the primary method for crossing the Qiongzhou Strait, with the project designed to accommodate future bridge or tunnel options [3] - The ferry route is expected to handle significant passenger and vehicle traffic, reflecting the high demand for transportation across the strait [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the establishment of an expert group to evaluate the feasibility of the new high-speed railway project from Zhanjiang to Haikou, which is crucial for enhancing transportation capabilities and supporting the development of Hainan as a free trade port [1][2] - The Zhanjiang to Haikou high-speed railway is part of the "Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal" railway network and is included in the Medium and Long-term Railway Network Plan, highlighting its significance for external connectivity [1][2] - The expert group will analyze various aspects of the project, including functional positioning, construction plans, technical standards, investment, and economic benefits, to provide technical support for the National Railway Administration [1] Group 2 - The Zhanjiang to Haikou high-speed railway aims to address the increasing demand for transportation between Hainan and other provinces, especially in light of the rapid development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hainan's free trade port [2] - The project has been discussed since 2014, with recent developments indicating a strong push for its construction, including government reports emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure [2] - The railway will utilize a ferry system to cross the Qiongzhou Strait, with a ferry distance of 23 kilometers, and will include new ferry stations [3] Group 3 - The Qiongzhou Strait is a critical transportation route for Hainan's development, with significant passenger and vehicle traffic recorded in 2024 [3] - The Zhanjiang to Haikou high-speed railway will be the first high-speed railway in China designed to operate at a speed of 350 km/h across a sea route, drawing on successful examples from other regions [3] - The feasibility of constructing a bridge across the Qiongzhou Strait remains under study due to complex geological and environmental conditions [3]

Core Viewpoint - Zhanjiang is actively developing a modern high-speed railway network to enhance connectivity in the region, with multiple key projects underway to establish a comprehensive transportation system [1]. Group 1: High-Speed Railway Projects - The construction of the Guangdong section of the He-Zhan high-speed railway has commenced in June 2023, following the completion of the bidding process [3]. - The He-Zhan high-speed railway will connect from Hepu Station in Guangxi to Zhanjiang, integrating with the Shenzhen-Zhanjiang railway, and is a crucial part of China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network [3]. - The project is expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2028, with a planned construction period of 1,310 calendar days [4]. Group 2: Zhanjiang North Station - The construction of Zhanjiang North Station for the Guang-Zhan high-speed railway is nearing completion, with all station house and sign installations finished [2]. - The station is currently undergoing metal roofing and interior decoration [2]. Group 3: Zhanhai High-Speed Railway - The Zhanhai high-speed railway, connecting Zhanjiang to Haikou, is a significant component of the national high-speed railway network and aims to enhance connectivity between Hainan Province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [5]. - The Zhanhai high-speed railway will link with Zhanjiang North Station and connect to the deep Zhan railway, Guang-Zhan high-speed railway, and He-Zhan high-speed railway, facilitating access to the Xuwen Port area and the Hainan circular high-speed railway [6]. - The project aims to start construction by the end of 2025 [7].