China’s Ministry of Railways has launched a 10-day nationwide safety check on the country’s tracks. According to a statement on the Ministry’s website, the checks will focus on the tracks of both high-speed and regular railways. The project marks the latest in a series of curious moves for China’s railways following the departure of former Railways Minister, Liu Zhijun on suspicion of corruption. His replacement, Sheng Guangzu then ordered that the country’s high-speed railways operate at reduced top speeds of no more than 300kph, and initiated this nationwide safety check.The check has been backed by Chinese President, Hu Jintao who, after visiting a high-speed rail line in Hainan province, said the government would “make all efforts to guarantee its safety”. While it is not thought these new checks are designed to detect specific faults, the China Daily reported that they will pay close attention to level crossings, bridges, and other areas where railways come close to human settlements.
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