Liu Wei Addresses Two Key Issues at “Minister's Channel”: Integrated Transportation System Development and Livelihood Service Guarantees
On March 9, 2026, during the second session of the “Minister's Channel” at the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress, Minister of Transport Liu Wei responded to journalists' questions regarding the development of the integrated transportation system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the role of transportation services in safeguarding people's livelihoods.
I. Development of the Integrated Transportation System During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period
Liu Wei noted that China's integrated transportation system achieved breakthrough progress during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, primarily reflected in:
- Infrastructure: Completion rate of the national integrated multi-modal transportation network's main framework—“6 axes, 7 corridors, 8 channels”—exceeded 90%.
- Transportation Services: Port container throughput accounts for approximately one-third of the global total, while express delivery volume has ranked first globally for 12 consecutive years.
- Technology and Equipment: The domestically developed C919 aircraft has carried over 4 million passengers, while automated port terminal technology leads globally.
During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, transportation development will advance around the core strategy of “One Network and Four Modernizations”:
One Network: Accelerate the construction of a modern, high-quality national comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network, raising the completion rate of the main framework to over 95%, while promoting the renewal of aging facilities and digital-intelligent upgrades.
Four Modernizations:
1. Integrated Fusion: Enhance commuting efficiency in metropolitan areas and boost intermodal transfer efficiency.
2. Safety Enhancement: Implement highway safety resilience projects and achieve zero dynamic clearance of hazardous bridges.
3. Digital and Intelligent Upgrades: Advance “AI+Transportation” applications and develop smart highways and smart ports.
4. Green Transformation: Promote zero-carbon transportation and new energy vehicles/vessels to support carbon peaking and neutrality goals.
II. Transportation Services Supporting Livelihoods
Liu Wei emphasized that transportation is inextricably linked to people's lives. This year will prioritize three key livelihood initiatives:
1. Enhancing Travel Service Quality:
l Cultivate service brands like Silver-Haired Trains and Scenic Area Direct Shuttles;
l Promote air-rail intermodal transport and through-transportation for “one-ticket travel”;
l Strengthen service guarantees for large passenger flows during major holidays to ensure safe and smooth travel.
2. Enhancing Expressway Service Area Quality:
l Improve charging facilities and increase high-power charging capacity;
l Advance age-friendly renovations and increase the proportion of accessible restroom stalls;
l Expand the coverage of “Driver's Home” facilities to provide free basic services.
3. Supporting comprehensive rural revitalization:
l Continuously advance the “Four Good Rural Roads” initiative;
l Prioritize rural road maintenance and operation;
l Promote integrated development of rural passenger, freight, and postal services to boost farmers' incomes.
Liu Wei stated that the Ministry of Transport will continue to thoroughly implement the 15th Five-Year Plan, accelerate the formulation of relevant specialized plans, and drive the effective implementation of all tasks. This will provide a solid foundation for building a transportation powerhouse and serving the public's travel needs.
