China's Dali-Ruili Railway project, considered the world's most challenging railway due to its complex terrain, is on schedule to be completed by 2030.
The Dali-Ruili Railway, a significant infrastructure endeavor in southwestern China, aims to connect the city of Dali to Ruili, located near the Myanmar border. This 330km railway is touted as the world’s 'most difficult' project, given the challenging geographical and geological conditions it traverses, including the Hengduan Mountain range. The project is designed to enhance transport and connectivity in Yunnan province and strengthen China's trade links with South and Southeast Asia.
The construction of the railway has been divided into two main sections, with the first section from Dali to Baoshan completed in 2022. The remaining stretch from Baoshan to Ruili is under development and is reported to be operational within the next five years. This railway is expected not only to facilitate domestic travel and transport within China but also to act as a critical conduit for international trade with neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar.
With its strategic importance, the completion of the Dali-Ruili Railway could transform the transportation landscape in Yunnan province and bolster economic ties between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors. The successful execution of such a challenging project could also serve as a benchmark for future railway projects in difficult terrains around the world, demonstrating China's engineering capabilities and investment in infrastructural development.
