A bullet train departs from the Hai'an Railway Station. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

A bullet train named after Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong, Jiangsu province, officially began operating at the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station on July 2. The train was a result of efforts by the local government, Shanghai Railway Bureau, and Huatie Media.

Yu Lizhong, mayor of Hai'an, said that the county-level city has prioritized the development of transportation.

The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway officially opened on July 1, and Hai'an plans to further facilitate its integration into the coastal railway network, the Shanghai metropolitan area, the Shanghai-Nanjing core economic circle, and the integrated development circle of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD).

Yu also stressed that high-speed rail plays a significant role in the smooth circulation of labor, materials, capital, information, and technology, shortening transit time and bringing about more opportunities for urban development.

The "Hai'an" bullet train is expected to lead to the development of more local industry, culture, and tourism around the YRD region, and attract more talent, information, and market resources to Hai'an.