The world’s longest expressway tunnel has officially opened to traffic in China’s Xinjiang region. The 22.13-kilometre Tianshan Shengli Tunnel cuts through the snow-covered Tianshan Mountains, reducing what was once an hours-long mountain drive to around 20 minutes.
Officials say the tunnel slashes travel time between Urumqi and Korla from seven hours to about three and sets a new world record for the deepest highway shaft.
Built at a cost of 46.7 billion yuan (approximately $6.63 billion). the project is expected to lower logistics costs, support local industry and strengthen economic links across the region, despite major engineering challenges posed by extreme weather, seismic activity and high-altitude terrain. (GSF)
