China is planning an additional 20,000km of operational railways as part of its Western Development Programme.
The proposed projects, estimated to cost CNY1.5tn ($222bn), are intended to be carried out over the next ten years.
The proposed rail lines are part of the National Development and Reform Commission's 23 projects in China's western region.
Work on the projects, totalling CNY682bn ($100bn), will commence this year, according to the China Business News.
The total length of operational railways in the western region increased from 20,000km in 2000 to 30,000km by the end of the year, according to the Chinese Ministry of Railways.
Related links
China to Invest Billions in Subway Train Networks
