.
Research purposes: With the accelerated construction of the “eight SNs and eight EWs” HSR network and regional intercity fast rails, HSR in areas of low-mountain and shallow-hill, which is different from HSR in mountainous areas and HSR on plain, is progressing orderly. For Chengdu-Chongqing economic area, it is represented by the inter-city railway of southern Sichuan, Chongqing-Yichang Section of Chongqing-Kunming railway, Chengdu-Zigong railway, Chengdu-Nanning-Dazhou railway, Mianyang-Suining-Neijiang railway, Chongqing-Wanzhou railway, etc. This paper takes the inter-city railway of southern Sichuan as an example, summarizes the route selection design for HSR in southwest area of low mountain and shallow hills passing through second-tier cities, so as to provide reference for the route selection and engineering treatment of the same type.
Research conclusions: (1) the arrangement of route and stations for new HSR should varies by time and place, be compared and studied combining local urban planning, existing network status and transportation organization needs, either by setting new passenger stations or by leading into existing stations. (2) It is large ground structure which is critical to HSR route selection in low-mountain and shallow hill areas, other than geological conditions. During preliminary design, relevant special assessment and agreement signing should be well done under the organization of the Employer. (3) Profile design in such area is better to follow the principles of shallow cutting, more bridges & culverts and less deep filling. (4) After the reform of railway investment and financing, there are more and more local investment projects, thus the interests and voices of local investment are of great importance on the determination of route and station layout. Under the premise of matching national network plan, not affecting the technical parameters and investment benefits of the project, the local investment opinions should be fully respected when determining the route and station layout, try to achieve a win-win cooperation and harmonious development. (5) The conclusions can be used as reference for similar design.