China Builds Record-Breaking Tunnel in Xinjiang to Boost BRI Connectivity

China has completed the construction of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in the Xinjiang region, a key infrastructure project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The 22.13-km expressway tunnel, expected to be the longest of its kind, aims to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and eastern China.

The tunnel will significantly improve transport within Xinjiang and with neighboring BRI-participating nations. Once operational, it will cut travel time through the Tianshan Mountains—a vast mountain range—from three hours to just 20 minutes.