Jinan outlines strategic transport priorities for 2026

Jinan is set to accelerate the construction of 115 key transport projects in 2026, covering road, rail, waterway, and aviation sectors, as it aims to strengthen its position as a national comprehensive transport hub, according to the Jinan municipal bureau of transportation.

This plan builds on the solid progress made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25), during which the city completed 235 major projects with a total investment of 384.9 billion yuan ($55.31 billion), and the strong momentum in 2025, when transport investment reached 82.31 billion yuan, ranking first in Shandong province.

This year, Jinan will continue to expand its high-speed rail and expressway networks, which include two ring roads and 16 major highways connecting key economic hubs across the province and beyond. Efforts will also focus on upgrading airport capacity, opening new waterway routes, speeding up urban rail transit construction, and improving urban and rural roads.

These infrastructure upgrades align closely with emerging industries, with a particular emphasis on developing the low-altitude economy. Enhanced logistics hubs and the development of major transport enterprises are expected to strengthen industry and supply chains.

Public transport integration will be further improved by better linking metro, bus, and non-motorized transport systems, making transfers more convenient for commuters.

Meanwhile, digital technologies will play a growing role in transportation. The city will implement artificial intelligence-powered systems for road inspection and safety monitoring and expand its integrated Mobility as a Service platform, allowing residents to plan and pay for trips through a single interface.