Beijing has built a massive tunnel through the mountains in Xinjiang to create a connectivity plan that will link Central Asia with eastern China and the Pacific, giving a significant boost to the Belt and Road plan (BRI) across Eurasia.

A 22.1km expressway tunnel is expected to be the longest of its kind, improving ties inside the Xinjiang area as well as with neighboring Central Asian countries that have joined the BRI.

Once operational, the 22.13-kilometer Tianshan Shengli Tunnel will cut travel time over the Tianshan Mountains, one of the world's longest mountain ranges, from three hours to roughly 20 minutes, according to a report .

The tunnel has the potential to pose long-term ecological concerns. The Tianshan Mountains are regarded as a "geological museum" with various fault zones.

Experts told that the tunnel and expressway network will also assist connect the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is now under development, to Eastern China, connecting Eurasia and the Pacific.

The building of the Tianshan Shengli Expressway Tunnel was finished on December 30. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce a three-hour travel to just 20 minutes, saving commuters crucial time.

The tunnel will connect the Northern and Southern Xinjiang regions, providing substantial access to Eurasian countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Up to 3000 laborers were employed to complete the project in low oxygen and high altitude circumstances. The workmen also encountered difficulties such as rock bursts and collapses.

However, the workers completed it in 52 months, which would have taken 72 months longer if they had used conventional procedures.