China's railway project builders have been told to reappraise and renew their environmental approvals to account for major design modifications designed to speed up trains.
The major modifications include increasing the maximum speed of trains by 50 kilometers per hour, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Railway design and construction units should compare design changes with previous environmental approvals before starting construction.
Construction units should apply for fresh environmental assessments and approvals if newer designs either substantially alter the scope and content of the projects or include new pollution and environmental protection measures.