CHINA: Expansions at the end of December cemented Shanghai’s position as the city with the largest metro network in the world. As of December 30, the country’s largest city boasts a 637 route-km metro, keeping its rival Beijing in second place.
The more significant of the two expansions was an entirely new line. During the period of trial operation Line 17 operates between 07.30 and 19.00, with hours due to be extended to 06.00 to 23.00.
Running west from Hongqiao Railway Station to Oriental Land, the 35·3 km route includes elevated alignments with six stations totalling 18·3 km, 16·1 km underground with seven stations and a short at-grade stretch.
Construction started in 2013 and cost 17·3bn yuan. The project includes a depot at Zhujiajiao and one at Xuying which is still being finished. CRRC Changchun has supplied a fleet of 28 six-car Type A trainsets.
Also joining the Shanghai metro on December 30 was an eastern extension of Line 9. Linking Middle Yanggao Road with Caolu, the 14·1 km underground extension features nine stations and a depot near Caolu. Construction started in 2013 and cost 12·7bn yuan.
