The Chengdu Metro is the rapid transit system of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, China. With the opening of Line 1 on 27 September 2010, the system has fifteen subway lines and one light rail line. It has subsequently undergone rapid expansion. Since the opening of Lines 6, 8, 9, and 17 on 18 December 2020, the Chengdu Metro is the 3rd longest metro system in the world.
There are currently (December 2024) 15 operating subway lines totaling 633.6 km (393.7 mi) of track, and 1 tram line (Line T2). The Chengdu Metro serves about 6 million trips per day.[5] As of 2021, about 2.2 million and 4.6 million people live within 500 and 800 metres (1,640 and 2,625 ft) of a subway station in Chengdu, respectively.[6]
Operating network
There are 15 subway lines operating currently, covering 633.6 km (393.7 mi) with 387 stations and a light rail line with 36 stop (Line T2) operating, covering 39.3 km (24.4 mi).
The first phase of Line 1 cost 7 billion yuan to construct.[9] A natural ventilation system has been used in the underground section of Line 1 on the subway system from Southern Third Ring Road to Jincheng Plaza Station. Square ventilation units are built every 30 m (98 ft 5 in) along the subway top to allow fresh air from the ground enter the construction site underground. The method is used in subway construction in other countries as it cuts the construction cost and it saves energy. The subway system is the first in China to adopt such a ventilation system during construction. Chengdu Metro is planning to set up a section for subway fire control and introduce the latest fire fighting technologies and vehicles. Line 1's color is dark blue.[10]
Line 2 is a crosstown northwest–southeast trunk route. This line serves the Chengdu East railway station. Line 2 began operation on 16 September 2012. An 11 km (6.8 mi) long mostly elevated extension to Longquanyi began testing in April 2014 opened in October 2014. It total it is currently 42.32 km (26.30 mi) long. Line 2's color is orange.[11]
Line 3 runs in a northeast–southwest direction from Chengdu Medical College to Shuangliu West Station. The total length is 49.85 km (30.98 mi). Phase 1 of this line began construction on 28 April 2012, and opened on 31 July 2016. It was Chengdu's final line to use the lower capacity type B trains, subsequent lines favoring the longer and wider Type A cars. Line 3's color is magenta.
Line 4 is the third line to enter revenue service on the metro network in Chengdu, Sichuan. Line 4 runs in an east–west direction, stretching from Wansheng in Wenjiang to Xihe in the Longquanyi. The first phase started construction on 22 July 2011, and began operation on 26 December 2015. Testing began on the east of west extensions of Line 4 as part of Phase II expansion on 10 December 2016. Line 4's color is green.
Line 5 is a crosstown north–south trunk line. Despite being numbered such, it was the seventh line to open, having started operation on 27 December 2019. Line 5's color is purple.
Line 6 is a crosstown northwest–south-west pivotal line. It is the second longest metro line in Chengdu and the longest non-branching line in China at 68.88 km (42.80 mi) (with Chengdu Line 18 being in first place for both). It has more stations than any other metro line in China, with 54 currently plus two more infill stations coming later. It is one of the four lines to have started operation on 18 Dec 2020. Line 6's color is brown.
Line 7 is a 38.61 km (23.99 mi) loop line which runs around downtown Chengdu. Despite the number, it was actually the sixth line to open, having started operation on 6 December 2017. Line 7's color is sky blue.
Line 8 is a 29.1 km (18.1 mi) crosstown northeast–southwest filling line. Phase 1 started operation on 18 Dec 2020, the same day as lines 6, 9, and 18. Phase 2 started operation on 19 Dec 2024. Line 8's color is chartreuse.
Line 9 will be the system's second circle line when it is completed. It is the first driverless metro line in Mid/West China. Phase 1 started operation on 18 Dec 2020. Line 9's color is bright orange.
Line 10 is a 39.972 km (24.837 mi) line serving Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. It started operation on 6 September 2017. It was also the first line to use the higher-capacity type A trains. Line 10's color is blue.
Line 17 is a 6.71 km (4.17 mi) metro line at west side of Chengdu. Phase 1, including phase 1 of line 19, started operation on 18 Dec 2020. On 22 Sept 2023, the Jinxing-Jiujiang North section was integrated into Line 19. Like line 18 is uses a special variant of Type A trains with one less door per side and using 25 kV AC overhead power, as opposed to the "standard" 1500 V DC most newer metros in China use. Line 17's color is pale green.
Line 18 is the first express subway line in the city. It parallels the southern section of Line 1 serving Tianfu New Area. It started operation on 27 September 2020. Phase 2 started operation on 18 Dec 2020. At 69.39 km (43.12 mi), it is the third longest metro line in China after Chongqing Line 6 being the longest and Shanghai Line 11 in second place. It is still however the longest line that does not have any branches. Like line 17, it uses a special variant of Type A trains with one less door per side and using 25 kV AC overhead power. Line 18's color is teal.
Line 19 is an express subway line linking Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport. It partly shares the track with Line 18 between Tianfu Station and Tianfu Airport North. It started operation on 22 September 2023. Line 19's color is light purple.
Line 27 is a 27.86 km (17.31 mi) metro line connecting several northern regions of the city. It's the city's second metro line that use driverless trains. Line 27's color is light blue.
Line S3 is an express subway line linking Futian in Jianyang, Chengdu to Ziyang North Railway Station along the Chengdu-Chongqing Intercity Railway in Ziyang. It is Chengdu’s first intercity rapid transit line. It started operation on 29 September 2024. Line S3's color is grey.
Chengdu Tram Line 2 has 39.3 km (24.4 mi) of operating tracks and 35 stations (47 when fully completed). The line uses low-floor trams derived from the Alstom Citadis. Tram Line 2's color is light green.
History
Evolution of the Chengdu Metro
Inception
In 1985, the Chengdu Planning Bureau set up an integrated transportation planning office which began the process of the planning for a rapid transit network for Chengdu.[12] By 1992, a proposal for the subway was sent to the National Planning Commission[13] and was subsequently rejected.[12] In 2004 before the approval of the National Development and Reform Commission Chengdu started reconstructing Tianfu Square with provisions for Tianfu Square station.[14] The first phase of Chengdu Metro, consisting of Lines 1 and 2, were approved by the NDRC on 11 September 2005.[15]
First phase projects
2005
Line 1 construction commenced on 28 December 2005.[16]
2007
Construction of Line 2 began on 29 December 2007.[17]
2009
In May 2009, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approved western and eastern extensions of Line 2, along with the first phase of Lines 3 and 4.[18]
On 8 June 2013, Line 2 West Extension to Xipu and Ocean Park Station on Line 1 opened; Ocean Park was later renamed Jincheng Plaza.
2014
On 26 October 2014, Line 2 East Extension to Longquanyi opened.
2015
On 25 July 2015, Line 1 South Extension opened.[25]
On 10 December 2015, Line 4 Phase 1 opened.
2016
On 31 July 2016, Line 3 Phase 1 was opened, marking the completion of the first phase.
Second phase projects
2009
In May 2009, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approved the second phase of expansion for the Chengdu Metro, encompassing Line 1 Phase 3, Line 3 Phase 2 and 3, Line 4 Phase 2, Line 5 Phase 1 and 2, Line 6 Phase 1, Line 7, Line 10 Phase 1, and Line 18. The total length of Phase 2 amounted to 183.3 km (113.9 mi) of new subway infrastructure.[26]
2014
On 4 June 2014, construction commenced for Line 10 Phase 1.[27]
2015
In August 2015, construction began for Line 5 Phase 1.[28]
2017
On 28 February 2017, the first tunnel boring machine for Line 18 was launched.[29]
On 2 June 2020, Line 18, the largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project in China, commenced its 3-month trial operation.[38]
On 6 August 2020, Line 18 completed its fire-prevention assessment.[39]
On 27 September 2020, Line 18 Phase 1 was opened.
On 18 December 2020, Line 6 Phases 1 to 3, Line 8 Phase 1, Line 9 Phase 1, Line 17 Phase 1, and Line 18 Phase 2 were opened, marking the completion of Phase 2 and 3 projects. With these openings, Chengdu Metro updated the wayfinding in all stations, introducing alpha-numeric station identifiers, and installed new LCD passenger information systems.[40]
In 2020, with the opening of Line 6, Line 18 and other lines, Chengdu Metro refreshed the wayfinding in all stations with alpha-numeric station identifiers.[41] In addition, new LCD passenger information systems, such as "comprehensive information screen" LCD, in station concourses and on screen doors at some stations.[42]
2022
On 16 February 2022, in response to noise issues on Line 5, operational speed limits were imposed on the Xingfuqiao to Beibu Shopping Mall to Liaojiawan sections, with an average speed of 60 km/h, to minimize noise impact on the environment and neighboring areas.[43]
Third phase projects
2016
On 11 July 2016, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approved the third phase of Chengdu Metro's expansion plan. This phase included Line 6 Phase 2 and 3, Line 8, Line 9, Line 10 Phase 2, Line 17 Phase 1, and Line 18.[44] Simultaneously with the second phase, the construction of the third phase commenced.
On 16 August 2016, Line 18's construction officially started.[45]
On 31 December 2016, construction began for Lines 8, Line 9, and Line 10 Phase 2.[46]
2017
On 27 February 2017, Line 17 Phase 1 construction was initiated.[47]
2019
On 19 February 2019, Chengdu received its first-ever subway train capable of GoA4 ATO for Line 9.[48]
On 30 July 2019, the tunnel boring machine completed tunneling for Line 9 between Chengdu West Railway and Huangtianba Stations.[49]
On 5 August 2019, all stations on Line 17 Phase 1 completed the construction of main structures and roofing.[50]
2020
On 14 January 2020, the last section of track was laid for all of Line 9 Phase 1, between Sanyuan Station to Jincheng Avenue Station.[51]
On 11 April 2020, Chengdu Metro reported the completion of track-laying for Line 8.[52]
On 19 June 2020, both Line 9 and Line 17 started their 3-month trial operations.[53]
On 24 June 2020, the construction of Wutongmiao Temple Depot for Line 17 was completed.[54]
On 8 July 2020, Line 6 Phase 1 and 2 were officially powered on.[55]
On 17 July 2020, the construction officially started for the 4 stations on Line 30 in Longquanyi District.[56]
On 8 August 2020, Line 8's whole line power network passed quality assessment.[57]
On 18 December 2020, Line 6 Phase 1/2/3, Line 8 Phase 1, Line 9 Phase 1, Line 17 Phase 1, and Line 18 Phase 2 were opened, marking the completion of Phase 2 and 3 projects. This milestone also positioned the Chengdu Metro as the fourth largest subway system globally with over 500 km of operating subway routes after 15 years of rapid growth.
Fourth phase projects
2019
On 17 June 2019, the NDRC approved the fourth phase expansion for the Chengdu Metro. It includes Line 8 Phase 2, Line 10 Phase 3, Line 13 Phase 1, Line 17 Phase 2, Line 18 Phase 3, Line 19 Phase 2, Line 27 Phase 1, and Line 30 Phase 1.[58] The Fourth Phase encompasses 176.65 km of new lines.[59]
2020
On 18 March 2020, construction commenced on Line 8 Phase 2, Line 19 Phase 2, Line 27 Phase 1, and Line 30 Phase 1.[60]
On 11 April 2020, construction began on Line 10 Phase 3, Line 13 Phase 1, Line 17 Phase 2, Line 18 Phase 3, and Line 19 Phase 2.[52]
On 18 May 2020, Line 8 Phase 2, Line 27 Phase 1, and Line 30 Phase 1 started construction, marking the commencement of all Fourth Phase projects.[61]
On 17 July 2020, construction officially began for the last 4 stations on Line 30 in Longquanyi District.[56]
On 27 November 2020, construction officially started for Line S3, a connection line between Chengdu and Ziyang.[62]
2021
On 2 April 2021, Chengdu Metro reached a ridership of 7 million per day for the first time.[63]
2022
On 16 December 2022, Line 13 Phase 1 completed the tunnel construction from Sanguantang to Jiuyanqiao Section, marking the success of the longest underwater/river tunnel work in Chengdu Metro history.[64]
On 22 December 2022, Line 30 Phase 1 completed the structure construction of Jiaozi Flyover.[65]
In December 2022, Line 30 Phase 1 completed the water/cable/pipe reroute for Financial City North station, marking the station's main structure construction entering the next stage.[64]
In December 2022, Chengdu Metro's deepest and first 4-line transfer station, Luomashi, finished digging. Line 18 Phase 1's platform is 45.5 meters deep, with Chengdu North to Luomashi's deepest tunnel at 48.8 meters, equivalent to 16 floors underground. Luomashi serves Line 1, Line 4, Line 10, and Line 18.[64]
2023
On 13 January 2023, all 15 stations of Line 13 Phase 1 finished structural construction. The line's tunnel is 62% complete, and the railroad is 10% complete.[66]
On 12 February 2023, Line 19 Phase 2 was officially powered on.[67]
On 17 February 2023, Line 30 Phase 1 from Terminal 2 of Shuangliu International Airport East to Sisheng section's left tunnel was finished, marking the completion of the 18th tunnel.[68]
On 21 February 2023, Line 19 Phase 2's signal and communication system started operational testing in Xinmiao Control Centre (新苗控制中心), and Phase 2 signal now synchronizes with Phase 1.[68]
On 22 February 2023, Line 17 Phase 2 finished Jinxing station's main power centre's land clearance.[68]
On 20 March 2023, Line 19's Changshun Villige Depot (长顺村停车场) was handed over to the operation.[67]
On 21 March 2023, Line 27 finished all station construction.[69]
On 26 March 2023, Line 18 increased express service from 6 to 16 trains to meet the increasing needs for Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and daily commuters. Line 18 also increased 58 trains daily, with 36 trains for Airport Express Service.[70][71]
On 27 March 2023, Line 8 Phase 2 finished tunnel work for the Longgang to Lianhua section. Line 8 Phase 2 entered the railroad construction, electrics, and refurbishment stage.[72]
On 28 March 2023, Line 19 Phase 2 finished the 160 km/h high-speed train testing, entering 1–2 months of systematic testing.[73]
On 28 March 2023, the Chengdu Rail Transit 2023 Annual Media Gala was held in Wenjiashan Station on Line 19.[74]
On 29 March 2023, construction for the left tunnel between Baotai Avenue and Changhong Square on Line S3 finished.[75][76]
On 30 March 2023, the tunnel boring machine used for the Jiuyanqiao-Xinnanmen section of Line 13 makes a breakthrough.[77]
On 30 March 2023, Line 19 Phase 2 finished construction and is handed over to the operation team for operational testing.[78]
On 30 March 2023, Chengdu Metro and Shanghai Metro's QR Code ticketing systems were officially unified and connected.[79]
On 31 March 2023, Line 30 Phase 1's Gaobeiba Depot (高碑坝车辆段) was powered on.[80]
From January to March 2023, Chengdu Metro TOD initiated four new land projects covering 200,000 square meters, along with 23 TOD projects and 38 new construction project sections.[67]
On 26 May 2023, all 45 trains of Line 19 Phase 2 were delivered.[81]
On 31 May 2023, Line S3 (Ziyang Line) began mechanical and electrical work after completing line construction.[82]
On 17 September 2023, the original Line 17 Phase 1 (Jinxing - Jitouqiao) split into Line 19 Phase 1 (Jinxing - Jiujiang North) and new Line 17 (Jiujiang North - Jitouqiao). A 4-Car A-Train started operating on Line 17, and all passengers were required to transfer at the same platform at Jiujiang North between lines 17 and 19.[84][85]
On 20 September 2023, Line 13's first train was finished. This marked Chengdu's second metro line to use driverless automatic trains.[86]
On 22 September 2023, Line 30 Phase 1 finished tunnel construction.[87]
On 26 September 2023, Line 18 and Line 19 began co-operational testing.[88]
On 30 September 2023, Line 17 Phase 2's People's Park Station finished structure construction.[89]
On 3 October 2023, Line 17 Phase 2's Qingshuihedaqiao-Huanhuali stations completed both tunnel construction.[90]
On 29 September 2024, Line S3 started operation.[93]
On 19 December 2024, Line 27 and phase 2 of Line 8 started operation.[94]
Fifth phase projects
2023
On 13 January 2023, the Chengdu Government published the fifth phase expansion and the environmental assessment for Chengdu Metro. The Fifth Phase plan consists of 199.8 km (124.1 mi) of 10 new lines, including Line 5 Phase 3, Line 9 Phase 2, Line 10 Phase 4, Line 12 Phase 1, Line 16 Phase 1, Line 18 Phase 4, Line 20 Phase 1, Line 22 Phase 1, Line 23 Phase 1, and Line 27 Phase 2.[95]
On 30 March 2023, Line S11 (Chengdu - Deyang Line) started construction. This line is planned to open in 2026, consisting of a 70.84 km route with a 45.30 km elevated section, a 23.91 km underground section, and a 1.63 km transit section.[96]
On 31 March 2023, Chengdu Metro reached 1 billion ridership, as a rider entered the gate at 15:29:16.[97]
On 6 September 2023, Line S11 started construction at Banzhuyuan Station in Xindu.[98]
On 6 September 2023, Chengdu Metro debuted Train Maintenance Bots (车辆巡检机器人), AI-Railway Maintenance Bots (轨道智能巡检机器人), and Power-line Surveillance AI (弓网在线监测装置) on Line 19. This marks the world's first AI-Maintenance Robot & System. Chengdu Metro aims to implement full AI-Operation by 2025.[99]
Network expansion
Lines under construction
Map of Chengdu Metro plan (2024)
Chengdu had built about 291 km (181 mi) of subway lines in 2020.[100] In 2017, the construction of the first phases of Lines 8, 9, 11, 17 and Line 10 (Phase 2) started, the length of subway under construction in Chengdu totaling 400 km (249 mi).[101] It is expected by the end of 2020, Lines 6, 8, 9, 17 and 18 will open. Extending the Chengdu Metro network to 518.5 km (322.2 mi) of route (excluding Chengdu Tram).[102]
In December 2020, Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources announced the long-term planning including Lines 1-33, D1-D6 and S1-S19.[107]
Fares
Single ride card
Single Ride Card is an IC card for one trip. Riders can buy it through attendants in station's Service Centers or use ticket-vending machines. One ticket allows only one rider in with validity of the same day. If riders have not used the Single Ride Card, they may refund it at the same day at the same station.[108]
From its opening until 1 June 2017, Chengdu Metro used a fare system based on station counts.[109] With a 2-hour grace period in the subway system.[110] In October 2016, Chengdu Metro held public meeting for price changing issues and set new pricing plans.[111]
From 2 June 2017, Chengdu Metro starts new fare system based on distance.[112]
When the trip is longer than 50 km, each additional 20 km requires another ¥1
Each rider has a 3-hour grace period in the system.
Reloadable IC cards
The Tianfutong Pass is a reloadable IC Card accepted by the Chengdu Metro.[113] Normal Tianfutong Passes provide 10% discounts. Student Tianfutong Passes provide 50% discounts. Senior Tianfutong Passes have special discounts depending on time of use.[114][113] Additionally, passengers can pay for single rides directly using Debit IC cards offered by participating banks.[115][116]
Train types and technology
The interior of a Line 7 train showing local ancient Sanxingdui/Jinsha culture.
All "standard" Chengdu Metro lines in operation run on 1,500 V DC supplied by overhead lines.[117][118][119] Express lines meanwhile run on 25 kV AC to get to top speed quicker. Trains on Lines 3, 4, 7, 10 and some of the newer Line 2 trains have a Golden Sun Bird insignia. New trains are equipped with LCD passenger information systems.
Line 6 Train LCD Passenger Information System
Signalling system
All Chengdu Metro lines are equipped with CBTC.[120] Chengdu Metro Line 1, which opened to traffic in 2010, used a CBTC signaling system provided by Zhejiang Zhonghe Technology, a subsidiary of Zhejiang University,[121] in collaboration with Ansaldo STS.[122] This system is also used on Chengdu Metro Line 6[123] and 10.[124] Chengdu Metro Line 3, which opened in 2016, was one of the first adoptions of a domestic CBTC signal system implementation by Beijing Traffic Control Technology.[125] Beijing Traffic Control Technology's CBTC system is also used in Line 5.[126]Alstom's Urbalis 888 CBTC signal system in collaboration with CASCO is used on Line 18, 19, Chengdu Light Rail Line 2 and the fully automated GoA4 Line 9.[127]
Type A trains
In response to congestion and high ridership, Lines 7, 8 and 10 are equipped with higher capacity 6-car aluminum alloy Type A trains. The total length of 140 metres (459 ft 4 in) and width is 3 metres (9 ft 10 in). All trains have a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The capacity of a 6-car train is 1,828 passengers with a crush load capacity of 2,488 passengers. Line 7 trains are designed and managed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang with CRRC Chengdu performing manufacturing and assembly.[128] Lines 5, 6 and 9 are equipped with even higher capacity eight car aluminum alloy Type A trains. The capacity of an eight car trainset is 2,480 passengers with a crush load capacity of 3,456 passengers.[129]
Type B trains
Lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 use six car stainless steel Type B trains with a total length of 120 metres (393 ft 8 in) and width 2.8 metres (9 ft 2 in). The capacity of each train set is 1,460 people with a crush load capacity of 1,880 passengers.[130] All trains have a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Lines 1 and 2 use CRRCQingdao Sifang and CRRC Chengdu trains.[131] Trains on Line 3 and 4 are manufactured by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Chengdu.[132] In 2008, Chengdu Metro in anticipation of the opening of Line 1, purchased and initial order of 17 six car trains sets from CRRCQingdao Sifang.[133] In April 2011, a further order was announced for trains from CRRC for Line 2, taking the total to 59 six car sets.[134]
Light rail trains
Currently, only Chengdu Light Rail Line 2 is in operation. Light Rail Line 2 uses low floor light rail trains provided by domestic manufacturer CRRC. The tram system uses light rail trains, of each having 5 cars and 8 doors. Chengdu Light Rail Line R2 opened to public on 26 December 2018 and extended on 27 December 2019. It is 39.3 km (24.4 mi) long, with 35 stations (47 station when completed). In early 2020, this line is included in the latest Chengdu Metro's official system map.[135][136][137]
^成都开通我国西部地区首条地铁 (in Simplified Chinese). Xinhua News Agency. 27 September 2010. Archived from the original on 20 October 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
^成都地铁二号线一期工程本月16日开通试运营 (in Chinese). Sichuan Online. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
^成都进入地铁时代 市民体验1号线开通试运营 (in Simplified Chinese). Sichuan Online. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2010.
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