Shenzhen Metro Line 7 extension to boost Nanshan

Stacy Shi

Shenzhen Metro Line 7 will be extended to connect the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and the Xilihu International Science and Education City next year.

The metro line will be extended by 2.28 kilometers from Xili Lake station.

Mainland authorities expect this to enhance the internal connection of Nanshan district in Shenzhen and also support the establishment of a comprehensive science hub.

The 30km underground Metro Line 7 Phase I, which began operation on October 28, 2016, connects Nanshan, Futian and Luohu districts, with 28 stations, including Huanggang Port station.

According to a Shenzhen online news outlet, the track of the east extension of Shenzhen Metro Line 7 Phase II has been successfully connected as the welding of the last pair of rail joints at the Xuefu Hospital station was completed in recent days.

"The smooth connection of the track provides good conditions for subsequent energization and tests and also lays a solid foundation for opening the line for trial operation on schedule," authorities said.

Since the commencement of the project in March this year, the Shenzhen metro construction company had been continuously improving its plan, optimizing organization and resources and adopting innovative technology, they added.

Running from Xili Lake station the terminus of Phase I, along Lishui Road and Xueyuan Boulevard, the extended line with two underground stations, will end at Xuefu Hospital.

The Xuefu Hospital station will also interchange with Metro Line 27, which is still under planning and expected to be put in use in 2028.

Currently, for the two new metro stations, 86 percent of decorations and 82 percent of installations have been completed at Beida station, while two-thirds have been completed at Xuefu Hospital station.

Authorities said the metro line will "support the construction of an integrated national science center and supplement the rail network coverage in the region, as well as facilitate efficient travel for residents near the hospital."

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com