In the next five years, China will accelerate the renovation and construction of five types of urban underground utilities and integrated utility tunnels, aiming to establish a sustainable urban renewal model and policy framework. This initiative seeks to unleash investment and consumption potential, methodically create high-quality living spaces, and robustly promote high-quality urban development. With the increasing demand for urban renewal, it is estimated that nearly 600,000 kilometers of urban gas, water supply and drainage, and heating networks will require renovation over the next five years.
From 2023 to 2024, the national government has allocated over 470 billion yuan from the central budget, issued additional government bonds, and provided ultra-long-term special government bonds. These funds primarily support urban renewal projects such as the renovation of underground utilities like gas and drainage systems, as well as the transformation of old residential communities in cities. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development's plan for this year, the goal is to renovate over 100,000 kilometers of old pipelines. The National Development and Reform Commission also stated that priority will be given to key urban renewal projects, especially the construction of gas, water, and heating networks. Focus will be on major cities and central urban areas with large populations and high densities, prioritizing ongoing projects and those that can commence in the fourth quarter of this year, to address issues such as aging gas networks, urban waterlogging, and water supply network leaks.
Localities are accelerating the remediation of urban waterlogging points
This year, to improve urban drainage and flood prevention, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has directed localities to effectively use national bond funds to accelerate the implementation of projects that enhance urban drainage and flood prevention capabilities. By the end of the year, the goal is to complete remediation of over 1,000 waterlogging points in 100 cities. This work is currently progressing rapidly.
In line with the requirements of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, localities are to make good use of the newly issued national bonds and ultra-long-term bonds this year, continuously improving the urban drainage and flood prevention engineering system that integrates "source reduction, network discharge, storage and discharge, and emergency response to exceedances." Currently, localities are actively integrating actions for urban renewal and the renovation of aging urban gas pipelines, systematically advancing the construction and renovation of drainage networks and pump stations, and quickly addressing infrastructure deficiencies.
In Liaoning's Dalian, the first rainwater and sewage diversion system in Northeast China for old urban areas—the main project for the rainwater and sewage diversion renovation in Jinzhou Old City District of Dalian, Liaoning, has recently been officially completed and put into operation. This project spans over 120 kilometers of pipelines, covering all residential areas, schools, hospitals, factories, roads, and squares within the construction area's urban drainage system.
After renovation, this rainwater and sewage diversion project has achieved full-process 'smart operation,' integrating the collection, transportation, management, purification, and reuse of sewage and rainwater into an automated management system.
In Changsha, Hunan, 12 measures were introduced this year to enhance the construction and quality management of urban drainage networks, addressing aspects such as design planning, network connection, material selection, and process optimization. Currently, the second phase of the drainage pipeline renovation project along Xiangjiang Avenue is underway.
Adapting to local conditions, cities are accelerating the construction of integrated underground utility tunnels. This initiative, aimed at resolving urban management issues like "road zippers" and "aerial spider webs," has seen cities tailor their approach to include utilities such as electricity, water, and telecommunications into these tunnels, thereby enhancing urban safety.
To facilitate the planning of integrated underground utility tunnels, localities have introduced specific regulations, choosing constructions that best suit their unique situations.
In Nanjing, it's specified that during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the construction of main and key area utility tunnels will be advanced in conjunction with urban roads, rail transit, new urban areas, and urban renewal projects.
Chongqing has issued management measures to vigorously promote the construction of extensive cable tunnels.
Shandong has detailed 34 specific aspects, providing clear guidelines for the planning, construction, registration, operation, and maintenance of integrated underground utility tunnels.
In Qingdao's West Coast New District, the Sansha Road utility tunnel project is in full swing. Unlike typical road constructions, the trenches for these tunnels are notably wider and deeper.
As one of the first cities in China to explore the construction of integrated utility tunnels, Qingdao has built 21 underground comprehensive utility tunnel pilot projects in 5 areas, all of which are now operational.
Journalists have observed that, in the process of accelerating the construction of urban underground utility tunnels, various regions are also simultaneously utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) and big data technologies to establish related safety operation monitoring platforms. This integration allows for the comprehensive online monitoring and management of both the utility tunnel infrastructure and the pipelines entering the tunnels.
In Xiong'an, the underground utility tunnels encompass various municipal pipelines including electricity, telecommunications, gas, heating, and water supply. These tunnels are equipped with maintenance and hoisting ports. Through unified design, management, and monitoring, integrated smart operation and maintenance management is achieved.
In Hefei, Anhui, a comprehensive database for various underground pipelines and associated facilities has been established, laying the foundation for an underground space data resource center. This initiative has enabled the collection of underground pipeline data, "Internet+" mobile inspections, data sharing, and archival management throughout the entire process, effectively enhancing the city's capability to manage safety risks.
"Strong Foundations Enhance Public Image"
Modern cities not only aim to improve their "facade" for a better appearance but also emphasize the construction of urban infrastructure for safety. The "foundations" of a city, though not as visible as skyscrapers or bustling streets, are crucial for its smooth operation and the quality of life of its residents. The condition of these "foundations" becomes evident during emergencies. A city with solid "foundations" is where quality of life is high, and residents truly appreciate the reliability of utilities—electricity without outages, minimal leaks, and sufficient gas supply—ordinary yet essential for a happy life.
(Reported by Yang Xiao, Tan Zhenhua, Yu Jie, and Yao Yao from CCTV)
Reposted from "Urban Utility Tunnel and Underground Space Committee"
