Tunnel guardian still smiles after 8 years

Li Yingming, 42, a patrol worker for the Wuhu Track Division of the Shanghai Railway Bureau has spent 8 years working in a tunnel on the Anhui to Jiangxi provincial railway.

The 660-meter-long Huangtaishan Tunnel is situated in the mountains and an average of 40 trains pass through the tunnel within one day. Due to the complex geographical conditions of the surrounding environment, Li and his workmates keep the tunnel clear and ensure the security of passing trains.

"Sometimes, I feel lonely in the mountains, and maybe the passengers on board won't notice a worker that waves a yellow signal flag when the train rockets through the tunnel, but I will always keep a smile. The whistles from every safely passed train are my workmates' and my best consolation," said Li.

Li Yingming, a patrol worker for the Wuhu Track Division of the Shanghai Railway Bureau guides a passing train by waving a yellow flag on Oct 30, 2012 at the entrance of the Huangtaishan Tunnel of the Anhui to Jiangxi provincial railway. [Photo/Xinhua]

Li Yingming, a patrol worker for the Wuhu Track Division of the Shanghai Railway Bureau conducts an inspection on Oct 30, 2012 at the Huangtaishan Tunnel of the Anhui to Jiangxi provincial railway. [Photo/Xinhua]