Government pins hopes for growth on public transport and utilities infrastructure plan

The government unveiled detailed plans to boost urban infrastructure, especially underground facilities, such as subways, drainage and utilities, in support of the nation's urbanisation drive.

The statement, posted on central government's website yesterday, was issued following a State Council meeting in late July chaired by Premier Li Keqiang , who pledged to open up investment from the private sector to help stabilise economic growth.

It echoed Li's recent comments that pumping new investment into poorly built infrastructure could help spur growth and help put the economy on an even keel without causing overcapacity in industry, experts said.

Cities are being asked to give priority to public transport, with the State Council setting a goal to extend subways and light rail systems by 1,000 kilometres nationwide by 2015. The statement also seeks to raise the standard of urban road networks, stating that all bridges that are deemed deficient or dangerous should be repaired by 2015.

Underground pipeline networks will also be upgraded. By 2015, up to 80,000 kilometres of gas pipelines and 92,800 kilometres for heating will need to be improved.

Cities will also need to improve their flood-control systems in the coming decade. Currently, such systems that exist are generally in poor condition. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, more than 60 per cent of mainland cities suffered severe flooding caused by storms between 2008 and 2010.

The statement says 36 large cities should collect and properly dispose of all waste water and household garbage by 2015. Nationwide, up to 85 per cent of urban sewage, 70 per cent of sludge and 90 per cent of urban waste should be properly treated.