According to the Yangtze Waterway Bureau, the 882km section between Yichang and Luzhou has been upgraded to accommodate vessels of 1,000 dwt and barge fleets of 3,000 dwt. As a result, the Yangtze has become the main transport artery for companies in Sichuan and Chongqing.

Total freight volumes via the waterway from Chongqing, Luzhou and Yibing are reported to be greater than via rail. Last year, 68 per cent of the freight volumes to and from these major port cities carried via the Yangtze.