Workers Clean Power Equipment on Qinghai–Xizang Railway’s Salt Lake Section

Dragon Media News Desk

Railway workers have cleaned insulators along the section of the Qinghai–Xizang Railway that crosses Qairhan Salt Lake in northwest China’s Qinghai Province. On September 23, they used high pressure washing equipment to remove salt deposits from components of the railway’s overhead power system.

The approximately 33 kilometre section lies in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Strong winds carry salt dust from the lake onto the insulators. If the deposits are allowed to build up, they can interfere with the power supply and disrupt train operations.

According to Xinhua, power supply workers in Golmud deployed a specialised washing vehicle for the operation. Insulators keep electricity flowing through the intended parts of the overhead system. Salt contamination can reduce their effectiveness, making inspection and cleaning essential on this section of the line.

The work is part of efforts to maintain a reliable power supply and safe railway operations through the salt lake area.