Jingzhou, previously only served by a branch rail line to Jingmen to the north, now enjoys frequent through-train service to Wuhan and Yichang.

According to a news item from the Wuhan City Government dated July 10, 2008, the plans for the railways were finalized at the time, and the construction was to begin shortly.

A more recent schedule (confirmed in early May 2012 by Hubei provincial authorities[5]) is for the railway to open in May 2012.

[6] On 9 March 2012 it was reported that due to heavy rainfall, a 300 metres (980 ft) section of rail collapsed in central Hubei Province.

This geographical oddity has resulted because of the way the border between the two county-level cities (which runs mostly along the Hanshui River) is located relative to the new railway's route.