Date:04/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/04/stories/2006070403310803.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Engineering marvel

China started building the Qinghai-Tibet railroad in 2001 across the roof of the world, and has thrown it open to the public a year ahead of schedule. It is an engineering marvel built on frozen terrain, spanning 1,142 km, at a height of 16,500 feet, with specially designed rail cars. It is a difficult job completed with utmost professionalism.

Sriram Varadharajan,
Pasadena, California

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The report "To the roof of the world, by train" (July 1) made the pages of Sven Hedin's voluminous travelogue Journey Across Tibet flash by. He must be applauding from his grave the astounding feat achieved by China. The Chinese have shown that where there is a will there is a way. In terms of strategy, economy, and logistics, the railroad is a boon.

V.K. Joshi,
Lucknow