High-speed trains between Beijing's Chaoyang Station and Chifeng Station in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region began operations on Jan 22, 2021. [Photo by Xu Yingjia/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A smooth, convenient and fast transportation network is gradually taking shape in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

As of the end of 2020, the total mileage of the comprehensive transportation network in the region amounted to 225,000 kilometers. Among them are 210,000 km of roads and 15,000 km of railways, and the total number of civil airports reached 40.

To date, of the 12 leagues and cities in Inner Mongolia, only Wuhai, Bayannuur, Hulunbuir, Alshaa League and Xiliin Gol League have no access to bullet trains. 

The under-construction Baotou-Yinchuan High-speed Railway will provide services for Wuhai and Bayannuur when put into use, the Qiqihar-Hailaar-Manzhouli High-speed Railway will enable Hulunbuir to enjoy high-speed train services, and the planned Ereenhot-Zhanjiang High-speed Railway will serve Xiliin Gol League.

Meanwhile, Inner Mongolia attaches great importance to the construction of the transportation network in its impoverished areas.

From 2013 to 2020, the accumulated transportation investment in poverty-stricken areas of Inner Mongolia was 271.6 billion yuan ($40.75 billion), accounting for 53.5 percent of the region's transportation investment. 

The total mileage opened to traffic in poverty-stricken counties reached 161,000 km, accounting for 76.8 percent of the total road mileage in the region.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), all the poverty-stricken or border banners and counties in Inner Mongolia gained access to roads at the first-class level or above.