Brand-New Tibetan Railway Sinking, Cracking As Permafrost Melts

[hatrack]

The Qinghai-Tibet railway, opened this month to great fanfare, is developing surface cracks in its concrete structures while its permafrost foundation is sinking and cracking at some sections.

"The frozen ground that forms the foundation of the railway is sinking and cracking in some sections, making the railway unstable in some places," the Beijing News quoted railway ministry spokesman Wang Yongping as saying. "The concrete is cracking on some of the railway structures and bridges, forming a hidden danger to the railway line quality."

Wang said experts are working on these problems and relevant authorities have taken measures to ensure the safety of the rail and passengers, without specifying these measures. The railway to Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, was opened on July 1. It is dubbed a magnificent engineering feat and a miracle for the world.

EDIT

Wang added that shifting sands in the region were also causing greater harm to the railway than expected, while engineers had still not figured out how to keep herds of yaks off the tracks, the report said.

EDIT

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-07/28/content_652320.htm

[mia]

1. Hope they can keep it going.

I'll be this $50 train ride is incredibly beautiful.

[Benhurst]

2. Good. I hope it falls into disrepair.

[evlbstrd]

3. Aha!

The Dalai Lama gets some Karmic revenge!

By the way, are you coming to this?

Come join us at the MOKAN Democratic Reunion Chill Out! A bi-state event.

Democracy For the Heart of America, DFHA, in cooperation with both the Kansas and Missouri Democratic party local offices, would like to invite you to come chill out and hang out with all the other Democratic and progressive activists from both sides of the state line this Saturday evening, July 29th, at the Westport Flea Market. The fun starts around 5:30, but activities will probably peak around 7:00 and the networking will go on for several hours after that. Meet fellow Progressives (activists and candidates) from both sides of the state line. We’re all on the same team. Individuals and groups united together can make a big difference in our region.

In thanks for coming to share your stories, ideas, and enthusiasm at the Reunion, the first 500 attendees will get the Westport Flea Market VIP cards (sought after by many). That VIP card will entitle you to great deals throughout the week (discounts, drink specials, buy one-get one offers).

Come mingle and enjoy food and drink specials. The Flea often runs out of their popular BBQ Brisket Sandwich, and their Flea Market Burger was voted Best Burger in KC.

Celebrate Blue with a Blue Margarita for only $3.50.

Just tell your server that you’re with the DFHA MOKAN Democratic Reunion.

Hope to see you Saturday!

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Location
Westport Flea Market (Party Room)
817 Westport Road
Kansas City, MO, 64111-3144

[Orrin_73]

4. Hopefully the rail sinks, that way the chinese cant

send large troops into tibet.

[Boomer]

5. This cracks me up!

"...engineers had still not figured out how to keep herds of yaks off the tracks."

:rofl:

[eppur_se_muova]

6. HA ha ! nt