Zhu Rongji, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and premier of the State Council, attended and addressed the ceremony held in Golmud and announced the opening of the project.

• 中共中央政治局常委、国务院总理朱镕基亲临格尔木市出席开工典礼，发表重要讲话并宣布青藏铁路全线开工。