China opens world’s longest expressway tunnel in Xinjiang, travel time slashed

The 22.13-km Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway cuts a four-hour mountain journey to 20 minutes, setting a new global infrastructure record.

Sapna Singh

Published: 28 Dec 2025, 04:11 PM

1 min read

0 Comments

14 Views

Updated: 01 Jul 2026, 07:45 AM

Source: Times Indian DeskNews Desk

Report a correction

China opens world’s longest expressway tunnel in Xinjiang, travel time slashedDigital Desk, New Delhi: China has once again set a new record in technological achievement. The world's longest expressway tunnel has opened in China's Xinjiang region.

The tunnel is reportedly 22.13 kilometers long. With its completion, the four-hour journey across the mountains via the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel has been reduced to just 20 minutes.

Construction Began Five Years Ago

According to reports, construction of this tunnel began in 2020. This tunnel is part of the 324-kilometer-long Urumqi-Yuli Expressway. The expressway has reduced travel time between Urumqi and Korla from seven hours to three hours.

China Breaks Its Own Record

Notably, the previous record for the world's longest expressway tunnel was also held by China, with a tunnel measuring 18.04 kilometers. The expressway and tunnel project cost approximately 60,000 crore rupees (approximately US$7.2 billion).

Times IndianOfficial Author

Editorial Profile

Sapna Singh

Official ContributorVerified by Times Indian

“Software Engineer | Tech Innovator | Part of Times Indian Building the future, one line of code at a time. As a Software Engineer, I thrive on solving complex problems, crafting seamless digital experiences, and developing innovative solutions that drive impact. Now, as part of Times Indian, I bring my technical expertise to enhance the digital landscape of news and journalism. From optimizing platforms to ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience, I bridge technology with storytelling to make information more accessible and interactive. Passionate about coding, creativity, and continuous learning—I believe technology isn’t just about innovation; it’s about transformation. Let’s shape the digital future of news, together. 🚀”