Kunming in Yunnan province has decided to speed up the construction of its transportation projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiatives.

The initiatives include the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road projects, which run through Asia, Europe and Africa and connect the East Asia economic circle at one end and European economic circle at the other.

Located in a key strategic area of the two "Silk Roads", the city plans to build a comprehensive transportation system comprising of aviation, railways, water ways and highways.

As part of the plan, Kunming will build a high-speed railway line to Chongqing to form an intercity railway system covering Kunming, Qujing, Chuxiong and Yuxi in central Yunnan province. The city is also aiming to establish itself as a railway hub connecting China with South Asia and Southeast Asia.

To boost the city's tourism industry, Kunming Changshui International Airport plans to open flight routes to the capitals of ASEAN and South Asian countries, and other major tourist cities in neighboring countries.

Taking advantage of the city's proximity to Jinsha River, the city will build an inland port in the Dongchuan area to connect central Yunnan's economic center with the economic belt along the Yangtze River and boost tourism in areas along the river.

Kunming will also improve transportation in the city by making 90-kilometers of subway lines available to the public by 2016. By 2020, the city will build nine subway lines covering 206 kilometers.

The city's bus network is also set to receive a makeover, as authorities plan to improve support facilities by creating more parking lots, bus stops and bus lanes, and setting up a bus repair plant.

The logistic supply chain will be bolstered with the construction of six logistics parks and 15 logistics centers, as well as the development of logistics in rural areas.

Edited by Jacob Hooson