Qingdao's US$ 4.3 billion metro approved

The Quigdao city authorities have approved a CNY 29 billion (US$ 4.3 billion) metro system for the city, which is on the Shandong Peninsular in eastern China.

Phase I and II, which are expected to be completed in 2016, will see 54.7 km of metro line constructed in the city's downtown district.

In total 231.5 km of line will be built for eight subway lines.

Part of China's 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), total investment in the country's light rail and metro system is expected to be CNY 200 billion (US$ 29.4 billion).

Between 2010 and 2015 a further 65 urban rail lines will be built, with a total length of 1700 km.