RIVANSHI RAKHRAI
The Qinghai-Tibet railway stretches for almost 2,000 km, from Xining in central China to Lhasa in Tibet, traversing the Himalayan plateau
The journey reveals a desolate landscape with little human influence, characterized by yellowed grass in Earth's rooftop savannah, carcasses of yaks, and Mao-era military facilities in ruins
Reflecting on the historical attempts to reach Lhasa, including those of eccentric adventurers like Thomas Manning, provides insight into the challenges faced by early explorers
Imperial Britain's invasion in 1904 transformed Chinese attitudes towards Tibet, leading to a fresh treaty. The legacy of this invasion shaped Tibet's status and relationship with China
The construction of the Qinghai-Tibet railway began in 1984, connecting Xining to Golmud initially. The subsequent extension to Lhasa in 2006 marked a significant achievement in railway history
Golmud, once described as a dozen scattered buildings, underwent a transformation into a modern and neat settlement, highlighting the impact of infrastructure development on remote regions
Travel writer Paul Theroux's journey on the railway in the mid-'80s, powered by steam, reflects the challenging conditions at the time compared to the more comfortable and efficient experience in 2018
The challenges of constructing the railway across the harsh Tibetan plateau, including extreme weather conditions and high altitudes, presented significant obstacles for engineers
The Qinghai-Tibet railway was initially part of China's Drive West policy, aimed at economic development and poverty alleviation. However, its strategic importance, including control over Tibet and nation-building, is also highlighted
Beyond economic considerations, the railway's geopolitical impact is discussed, with insights into the nation-building role of railways and the transformation of Lhasa as a result of increased connectivity