Several years ago, if the Tibetans in Tanggula mountainous area got sick,
they would spend 300-400 Yuan (approx. $40-50) to go to Tanggula Township from
the mountains by hiring a motor vehicle, and then spend over 1,000 Yuan (approx.
$ 120) to Golmud Hospital from the township. That is to say, before they could
see the doctor, they would have spent at least 1,300 Yuan (approx. $ 160) on the
way, what's worse, the illness would be delayed for days, and even life would be
periled.
Tanggula Township is 420 km in the south of Golmud in Qinghai province, the
roads are mostly bumpy mountain roads and the local climate is atrocious. Since
several decades ago, the Tibetans in Tanggula Township have had extreme
difficulty in seeing doctors. They would ride horses at the beginning, and hire
motor vehicle later, but neither way is safe and rapid, the illness was often
delayed.
As the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is open to traffic, Tibetans in Tanggula
Township can go to the hospital in time, and the traffic cost is reduced by over
1,000 Yuan (approx. $ 120). Since the train ticket from Tanggula Township to
Golmud only costs 63 Yuan (approx. $8). And the safety is much more guaranteed,
for there are often traffic accidents with buses traveling in the Tanggula area
where the weather is atrocious.
It is Mr. Xin Xiangdong, the former head of Tanggula Township who told us
this story. He also said, before the Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened to traffic, a
bag of flour would sell 80 Yuan (approx. $ 10) in Tanggula Township, but now it
is only half of that price, 40 Yuan (approx. $5). Besides, the vegetables and
fruits are also cheaper than before.
Mr. Xin is very gratified, Qinghai-Tibet Railway will bring benefits to the
Tibetans in all aspects of life. It is a line of happiness and safety. Mr. Xin
Xiangdong had held the position of head of Tanggula Township, Golmud, Qinghai
province from 2002 to 2004.
