CHINA / Railway in Tibetans Eyes

Rondo: Qinghai-Tibet Railway changes my life
(China Tibet Information Center)
Updated: 2006-08-15 15:09

In the traditional Tibetan style Buddha worshipping hall of Rondo's family, you can also find a 50 inches TV set and a new air-condition. Rondo said:"It is the Qinghai-Tibet Railway changes my life and realizes my dream of becoming rich."

37-year-old Rondo lives together with his wife, Tachu, his son and 57-year-old mom in Damxung County of Lhasa where the newly-constructed Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes by and the Damxung Railway Station becomes a new scenic spot.

Rondo becomes rich for his truck valued at 110,000 yuan (about 13,750 US dollars) involving in transportation. Before, their family just lived a traditional pasturing life with an annual net income of less than 600 yuan (about 75 US dollars). After Rondo started transporting material for building Qinghai-Tibet Railway, all his life was changed.

"Since 2001, I started to cooperate with 15th Bureau of China Railway for transporting sand, stone and other building material. Till the completion of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, I can receive an annual income of 300,000 yuan (about 37,500 US dollars)", Rondo expressed himself with unskilled Chinese.

Rondo said that there were many other herders like him participated in the material-transportation for Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Based upon this, they have become rich.

Yontan Tsering, head of Damxung Publicizing Department said that Qinghai-Tibet Railway passed by six towns of Damxung. Many locals become rich by offering service to the railway construction. In order to help the herders turn into 3rd industry development from the traditional pasturing industry, Damxung government also corresponded with the related railway department for getting convenience to local villagers.

"After the operation of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the transportation fee is reduced and we will get chances to do business", Rondo expressed when mentioning his future plan, "I want to sell my truck and do characteristic products business for selling all over China by Qinghai-Tibet Railway's transportation."

Rondo became excited when talking about his plan. Rondo wants to go to Beijing by train for travelling and his dream is to visit the Tian An Men in Beijing.