Construction of four highways in northwest China's Qinghai Province started simultaneously on Tuesday, with the total investment exceeding 10 billion yuan (1.47 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Qinghai Provincial Communications Department.

The four roads in Delingha City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, western Qinghai, are 679.12 km long.

 
Construction of four highways in northwest China's Qinghai Province started simultaneously on Tuesday, with the total investment exceeding 10 billion yuan (1.47 billion U.S. dollars). (Xinhua Photo)

According to Yang Borang, director of the department, the four highways are one that will connect Dangjin Moutain to Da Qaidam, one that will link Da Qaidam to Chahannuo, one that will connect Chahannuo to the Delingha of the No. 315 National Route and one will link Delingha to the Xiaochaidan Lake.

The building of the four roads has gained support from the central authorities and is a major measure to boost domestic consumption and economic growth, said Vice Qinghai Provincial Governor Luo Yulin.

Upon completion, the highways, on the one hand, will play a significant role in promoting the development of the resources in the Qaidam Basin and the development of a recyclable economy, he added.

On the other hand, they will optimize and improve the transport capacity of road networks in western China, thus enhancing economic and social development in nearby areas, especially the areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups.