The impact of high-speed rail construction on the development of resource-based cities: A temporal and spatial perspective

Abstract

As a province abundant in mineral resources, Henan Province has formed extensive mining subsidence areas during its past economic development, posing a major challenge to the planning and advancement of the high-speed rail (HSR) network. This study investigates the impact of high-speed rail (HSR) construction on the development of resource-based cities (RBC), considering both temporal and spatial dimensions. By utilizing GIS technology, a spatial clustering index was created to assess the spatial influence of HSR on the economic development of RBC. Empirical analysis was conducted using the spatial Durbin model. The findings reveal that both mining subsidence areas and HSR station factors significantly affect the clustering patterns observed in the collected samples. Notably, a regression phenomenon in the classification results emerged after 2017. Specifically, the extensive mining areas in RBC pose significant obstacles to the opening time and routes of HSR, thereby impacting the overall level of urban development. Additionally, in regions with underdeveloped secondary transportation networks, the current development mode of HSR remains primarily focused on "point-to-point" connections.