China approved plans to build 2,018 kilometers (1,254 miles) ofroads, spurring the biggest stock-market rally in almost eightmonths on signs the government is stepping up stimulus efforts torevive economic growth.

The government also backed nine sewage-treatment plants, fiveport and warehouse projects, and two waterway upgrades, accordingto statements on the website of the National Development and ReformCommission yesterday. No investment amounts were given.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed 3.7 percent higher, led byconstruction stocks, on speculation infrastructure spending willhelp bolster growth that's cooled to the slowest pace in threeyears. The announcements came a day after approvals for subwayprojects in 18 cities, an earlier rise in the railway buildingbudget and increases in land supplies in cities includingGuangzhou, Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.