The Chongqing–Changsha high-speed railway was originally envisaged under China’s “Eight Verticals and Eight Horizontals” plan as a single 339 km line designed for 200–250 km/h service. Its operational segments also form part of the broader Xiamen–Chongqing corridor. However, the corridor entered operation in three stages rather than as one continuous build:
The Changsha–Yiyang–Changde intercity HSR (65 km at 350 km/h) opened on 2022-09-26. The Changde–Qianjiang section (97 km at 350 km/h) opened on 2022-12-27. The Chongqing East–Qianjiang segment of the Chongqing–Xiamen HSR (242 km at 350 km/h) opened on 2025-06-27.
Through-running trains now link Chongqing and Changsha in approximately 3 h 53 min at up to 350 km/h.
History Planning In 2014-10, the State Council approved a direct Chongqing–Changsha HSR (339 km, 250 km/h) as part of the national “Eight Verticals and Eight Horizontals” network.
Phased construction and opening China Railway split the project into three interlinked contracts: Changsha–Yiyang–Changde: opened 2022-09-26. Changde–Qianjiang: opened 2022-12-27. Chongqing East–Qianjiang: opened 2025-06-27.
Current operation These segments now form a continuous high-speed corridor, reducing journey times by over half.
Route Chongqing East → Qianjiang → Changde → Yiyang South → Changsha West
See also High-speed rail in China Xiamen–Chongqing corridor
References