(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-13 17:34

Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said Sunday China must ensure safe transportation during this year's travel rush when millions are on the move during the Lunar New Year holidays.

"Governments at all levels and the rail, road and air traffic sectors must spare no effort to do a good job in the coming peak season," he said. "These service sectors are closely linked to the people's interests."

This year's peak travel period will start on January 23 and end on March 2. It is a time when people from across China will return home for the most important traditional holiday of the year.

"Counterplans must be prepared against emergencies, sufficient transport capacity must be arranged and travel fares must be stabilized," the vice premier said.

China's railways are expected to carry a record 178.6 million passengers during the 40 days, up from 156 million a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Railways.

The ministry said it planned to arrange an additional 622 trains to add to the transport capacity and would not raise ticket prices, a practice adopted last year and widely applauded.

Recognizing that the transportation sectors had made notable progress in management and service in recent years, Zeng said more should be done to boost China's economic and social development.