The landmark Qinghai-Tibet railway project in the vast western region will be profitable when it is finally put to use, said the director-in-chief of the project.

Lu Chunfang, who is also the manager of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Co, refuted claims that the railway is a political and charitable cause.

The first phase of the construction was 653 kilometers long at an average altitude of 3,200 meters. According to detractors, the average operation cost would be three times as much as the average transport fees.

They estimated that the operation of the entire railway would generate an annual deficit of 1.26 to 2 billion yuan (US$154 to US$244 million). However, Lu believes the railway will earn profits by way of low maintenance cost and increasing tourist arrivals.

He said the whole railway will require some 400 people for maintenance and safety, less than one person per kilometer, which is much lower than the national average -- 20 people per kilometer.

In addition, the number of tourists to Tibet has been increasing by 10 percent each year, reaching 29 percent last year. Therefore by 2007 when the entire railway begins operation, more than 900,000 tourists will visit the region by train and their spending will increase as well, said Lu.

Although only six passenger and passenger-freight trains will be regularly running in the early period of operation, two to four high-class trains will be provided for tourists. Tourists will be able to watch ethnic performances on the trip and visit major tourist sites without changing to other vehicles.

"The unique and mysterious scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will attract more tourists when the railway is finished, so we are very optimistic about the operation in the future," said Lu.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2003)