Core Points - The opening of the Chongqing East to Qianjiang section of the Yuxia High-Speed Railway on June 27 marks a significant addition to China's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network [1][4][19] - This new segment connects Chongqing to the Qianjiang-Zhangjiajie-Changde high-speed rail, creating a rapid passenger transport corridor between the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration [1][3] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The Yuxia High-Speed Railway spans 242 kilometers with a design speed of 350 km/h, enhancing connectivity in the region [1][4] - The Chongqing East Station, the largest high-speed rail hub in Western China, officially opened on the same day, featuring a unique architectural design and advanced energy-efficient systems [16][18] - The station will facilitate up to 54 daily train services, significantly reducing travel times between key cities [8][15] Group 2: Economic Impact - The railway's opening is expected to boost local economies, particularly in tourism, by connecting over 30 ethnic minority areas and numerous scenic spots [4][6] - Special promotional ticket packages have been introduced to attract tourists, enhancing the economic benefits of the new rail line [6] - The ongoing railway construction in the Chengdu-Chongqing area has seen nearly 380 billion yuan invested, indicating a strong commitment to infrastructure development [9][15] Group 3: Future Prospects - The Chengdu-Chongqing railway network is projected to reach over 9,000 kilometers, with more than 3,400 kilometers of high-speed rail, facilitating an estimated 55 million passenger trips annually by 2024 [15][19] - The "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network is 81.5% completed, with ongoing projects expected to further enhance regional connectivity and economic growth [19][23]