The Effect of the Opening of Chengdu-Chongqing High-speed Rail on the Urbanization of Cities Along the Rail Line

Abstract

With its benefits of high speed, high safety, and environmental friendliness, high-speed rail has emerged as a significant trend in the development of the modern transportation sector. It also plays a major role in boosting the economics and urbanization of China's metropolitan clusters. Taking the Chengdu-Chongqing region and its cities along the route as an example, this study examines the urbanization process of the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration both before and after the construction of high-speed rail by using data pertaining to the launch of the high-speed rail network in the region from 2012 to 2018. Using the difference in difference technique, this study examines and evaluates the real effects of the high-speed railway's opening on the urbanization process of Chengdu-Chongqing and the cities along its path. (DID). Based on empirical data, the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration's resident population's rate of urbanization has significantly increased since the high-speed railway opened, and can facilitate and support the Chengdu-Chongqing region's urbanization trend.