World’s first China-Russia cross-border passenger ropeway completes main structure

The main structure of the first cross-border passenger ropeway linking China and Russia has been completed, Chinese officials announced on Sunday. The project, which has been under construction since July 2019, is expected to be finished before the end of 2026 and will connect Heihe in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province with the Russian city of Blagoveshchensk across the Heilongjiang River. The ropeway is designed to speed up travel between the neighboring border cities and strengthen transport links that support tourism, trade, and cross-border exchanges. Project enters final construction phase According to Zhang Qijun, deputy director of the management committee of the China (Heilongjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone’s Heihe section, the project has reached a major construction milestone with the completion of its main structure. The remaining work includes installing equipment, carrying out system integration, and completing testing before the ropeway opens to passengers. Officials expect the entire project to be completed before the end of this year. Construction on the cross-border ropeway began in July 2019 as part of broader efforts to improve transport connections between China and Russia. Once operational, it will provide a direct passenger link across the river separating the two cities. Six to eight minutes across the border The passenger ropeway will reduce travel time between Heihe and Blagoveshchensk to just six to eight minutes, according to Cao Xinhong, chairman of Heihe-based Jinlonggang Construction and Development Co., Ltd., the contractor responsible for the Chinese section of the project. The system stretches about 3,182 feet (970 meters) across the river and includes two cabins, each capable of carrying 110 passengers. Cao said the ropeway has a maximum operating speed of about 39 feet (12 meters) per second. It has been designed to handle up to 2.6 million one-way passenger trips each year, allowing large numbers of travelers to cross the border efficiently during peak periods. Part of a growing transport network Zhang said Heihe and Blagoveshchensk have maintained strong economic, trade, and cultural ties for many years because of their close geographic location. The ropeway will join existing transport infrastructure between the two countries. The Heihe-Blagoveshchensk cross-border highway bridge, the first highway bridge linking China and Russia, opened to traffic in 2022 and already provides a permanent road connection. Ferry services also continue to operate across the river. “Once the ropeway is operational, Heihe will have a comprehensive cross-border transport network consisting of a highway bridge, ferry service and ropeway, which will drive the coordinated development of tourism, logistics, trade and other industries in the border regions of both countries,” Zhang said. Passenger traffic continues to grow Officials said stronger transport links, along with a mutual visa-free policy between China and Russia, have encouraged more cross-border travel in recent years. Data from the first half of this year showed that more than 568,000 passengers passed through Heihe Port, representing an increase of over 60 percent compared with the same period last year. The upcoming ropeway is expected to further increase passenger movement by offering a faster and more convenient way to cross the border. Local authorities also expect the new connection to support business activity and regional economic growth as travel demand between the neighboring cities continues to rise.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.