LINE 1 of the Shaoxing Metro was completed on April 29 with the entry into service of a 26.8km extension from China Textile City to Fangquan.

Following completion of the extension, Line 1 is now 47.1km in length and serves 28 stations. At its northern end it provides interchange at Guaniangqiao with Line 5 of the Hangzhou metro.

The city of Hangzhou is hosting the 2022 Asian Games, and the “seamless connection” between the two metro systems is expected to help ensure that the event, taking place between September 10 and 25, runs smoothly.

The Line 1 fleet comprises 18 six-car type B2 trains supplied by CRRC. Each 120m long train can accommodate 2034 passengers.

Construction was undertaken by China Railway 22nd Bureau, which reports that tunnelling for the 34.1km underground section with 23 stations was particularly complex, passing through 13 major cultural and historic sites.

Special measures were undertaken to deal with soft soil layers and deep foundations, while the settlement of surrounding buildings was strictly controlled to within 5.32mm.

Despite these challenges, construction reached a peak of 36 tunnel lining rings installed in one day and was completed 154 days ahead of schedule, the contractor reports.

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