Society
By Jin Yingying
The Hangzhou Metro Line 18 project is set to commence the civil construction for the entire line by the end of 2023, with a planned trial operation start date in September 2028.
The North-South Express Line, also known as Line 18, will have 19 stations in the first phase, running from the Yiqiao Station to the Century Avenue Station, with interchanges to multiple lines such as Line 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 19, and the Hangzhou-Haining Intercity Railway.
Designed with a speed of 120 km/h, the North-South Express Line will enhance the efficiency of travelling along it, facilitating the integration of the northern and southern parts of the city.
The North-South Express Line and the Airport Express Line form into a rail network referred to as the "golden cross-axis," with over ten interchange stations in the north of Hangzhou, offering speedy travel to all parts of the city.
Notably, a fully automated subway system will be put into use on this new line, featuring an advanced driving system and operation control technology. This innovation will enable passengers to travel through time and space in a driverless subway, similar to those in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Suzhou. As the train will not have a driver, passengers can walk to the front or rear and watch the train being operated through the windows, which was once a unique mystery to most people. Plus, passengers can check the train schedule at the front or back of the train. It's like flying through the metro tunnels.
To maximize passenger safety, the system is equipped with obstacle and derailment detection software, as well as an emergency alarm system to ensure that passengers be protected in case of any incidents.