The mileage of rural roads in Tibet reaches 93,000 kilometers

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In an exclusive interview on October 16, 2023, with the Transport Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it was revealed that the past decade has marked a significant transformation in the rural road network of Tibet. During this period, a total of 121.52 billion yuan (approximately $18.8 billion) has been invested in road construction. By the end of 2023, the total length of rural roads in Tibet has reached an impressive 93,000 kilometers.

Dawa Ouzhu, the Secretary and Deputy Director of the Transport Department of Tibet, highlighted that over the last ten years, 58,700 kilometers of new and remodeled rural roads have been constructed. This initiative has successfully connected six townships and 338 administrative villages, achieving a 100% connectivity rate for rural roads across townships and villages. Furthermore, 348 new townships and 3,682 administrative villages now have access to paved roads, with the connectivity rates standing at 95.55% and 82.6%, respectively.

Ouzhu also noted that as of now, Tibet has established 97 maintenance companies, enhancing the rural road maintenance model. By the end of 2023, the maintenance rate for rural roads in Tibet has consistently remained at 100%, fulfilling the commitment that “wherever there is a road, it must be well-maintained.” This effort has led to the development of numerous livable, workable, and tourable small towns throughout the region.

Additionally, the government has introduced programs like labor-for-relief to engage low-income groups in road construction and management. Farmers and herders with the necessary qualifications have been encouraged to take part in rural road projects with budgets under 4 million yuan. This policy has directly generated 2.8 billion yuan in income for local farmers and herders. Every year, at least 10,000 public welfare jobs are created to assist these individuals in finding employment close to home, with a total of 118,800 positions filled so far in rural road-related public welfare roles.

Looking ahead, the Transport Department of Tibet has plans to improve the connectivity of the rural road network, aiming for 100% access to paved roads in townships and over 90% in administrative villages by 2025. The department also intends to use rural roads as a link to promote the integrated development of industry, tourism, and culture, actively exploring the potential for “road-derived economies” to invigorate local resources.