Key measures include expanding the high-speed rail network connecting major cities and other urban areas to eight rail lines running north to south and eight going east to west.

Intercity rail lines will also be enhanced.

Once the plan is achieved, rail travel between neighboring major and medium-sized cities will take from one to four hours.

The plan also envisions boosting rail construction in central and western China.

Comprehensive rail development is vital for China in maintaining stable growth and structural reform, Li said.

"We should seek innovation in developing China's railway project with both social and economic implication in mind, and this new plan should be planned well in advance with consideration not only given to demand but also financial feasibility," Li stressed.

China will spend 800 billion yuan ($120.5 billion) this year on building railways, said Wang Dongming, deputy director of the Institute of Comprehensive Transportation of the NDRC.

Expanding the rail network is a form of investment in fixed assets to prop up slowing economic growth by providing more employment opportunities and reducing logistics costs, Wang said.

"The central government is to balance regional development, and less-developed regions will benefit from the new plan with more access to convenient railways," Wang added.

Contact the writers at huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangyue@chinadaily.com.cn