The old Nanjing-Shanghai and Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo railways only once totalled over 620 km. But as the lines went through developed regions in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, they “attracted attention from home and abroad”, and promoted agricultural, industrial and business development along their way since put into operation in 1908.

In October 1936, the owner of both railways asked 11 highway transport organisations, 11 waterway transport organisations, and one air transport organisation to attend the joint meeting between the railway sector and their industries and negotiated on cooperation, joint development and issues concerning the establishment of an intermodal combined transport network.

(Source: CR)