China: China to invest over 700 bln USD in urban underground pipeline upgrade over next 5 years.

Storyline China to invest over 700 bln USD in urban underground pipeline upgrade over next 5 years Part of China's 15th Five-Year Plan that extends from this year until 2030 includes renovating and expanding its urban underground pipeline network. According to the plan, some 770,000 kilometers of urban pipes will be upgraded, with about half of that total up for renovation. Xing Haifeng, Senior official, Urban Development Department, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development: "We have guided over 2,000 cities and counties to conduct comprehensive surveys of their pipeline networks and develop scientific implementation plans. We have also revised technical standards for water supply, gas, heating, sewage, utility tunnels, and lifeline safety engineering projects." China boasts the world's largest underground pipeline network at 3.9 million kilometers of pipelines, along with 7,700 kilometers of integrated utility tunnels. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]