Cash Flows: Beijing Opens the Taps With Rail Projects and More Lending

New rules help clear the way to restart infrastructure projects put on hold in the past year when China was worried about debt

BEIJING—China is accelerating efforts to prop up economic growth, clearing the way for infrastructure projects and boosting bank lending, as domestic demand fades and the trade fight with the U.S. escalates.

The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Friday released guidelines to allow local governments to restart subway and light-rail projects put on hold in the past year when Beijing was worried about debt.

Banks...