A new high-speed railway link has slashed travel time between Shanghai and Huzhou in Zhejiang province to a mere 55 minutes from the previous two hours.

The Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed railway commenced operations on Dec 26, linking Shanghai, Suzhou in Jiangsu province and Huzhou in Zhejiang province in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Stretching approximately 164 kilometers and interspersed with eight stations, the new link is expected to promote regional growth. The two destination stations, Shanghai Hongqiao and Huzhou, are existing ones, while the remaining six stations are new.

This high-speed rail line is an important addition to the "Yangtze River Delta on Rails", a comprehensive network aimed at bolstering regional integration and facilitating economic development, the company said.

The 164-kilometer new line, with the design speed of 350 kilometers per hour, will connect eight stations, including Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Songjiang, Suzhounan and Huzhou Station.

This new high-speed rail line will enhance the overall transportation infrastructure of the Yangtze River Delta region, connecting key economic hubs and integrating the region's transport network. The line's opening is expected to not only improve mobility for local commuters but also spur regional economic development, according to the company.

The railway will facilitate access to various industries and markets along the route, supporting the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Delta region and contributing to the region's broader efforts at infrastructure integration and economic cohesion.