China has finally finished a railway line to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in what is now the world's highest railroad, and now the trains are rolling:

The first of an expected 4,000 passengers a day will set off from the Chinese capital at 9.30am on a 48-hour journey to Lhasa. They will travel across mountain passes, alpine deserts and the vast plains of the Qinghai plateau. Some are likely to require oxygen, which will be available under the seats, because of the thin air.

At its highest, the railway hits an altitude of 5,072 metres (16,604ft), higher than any European mountain peak and more than 200 metres higher than Peru's railway in the Andes - previously the world's highest. The Chinese track, which cost 34bn yuan (£2.4bn), was completed a year ahead of schedule despite the permafrost under much of its route.

The Dalai Lama has cautiously approved of the line, but notes the danger of 'cultural genocide' that may be more likely now that the rail line is completed. Or . . . it could increase tourism that can highlight the Tibetans' plight, and open a door to the world from this previously isolated region through which an increased prosperity and communication becomes possible, actually aiding some kind of autonomy.

Crossposted from WILLisms.com