CHANGCHUN - The construction of a rail vehicle manufacturing base and its affiliated parts manufacturing companies was launched on Thursday in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province.

With an investment of over 1 billion yuan (about $162 million), the base is expected to become China's most advanced carbon steel rail vehicle production line upon its completion. It will be able to produce 600 new carbon steel vehicles, maintain 120 electric multiple units (EMU) and another 700 high-end rail vehicles, said an official with the Changchun Railway Vehicles Co Ltd of China North Vehicle (CNR).

The construction is the second phase of the relocation project of Changchun Railway Vehicles Facilities Co Ltd, and is expected to be completed in two years.