The extended Metro Line 2, linking Shanghai's two airports, will be running before the World Expo opens in May next year.

With the extensions completed the line will be 64 kilometers long.

The western extension connects Hongqiao Airport to the line's current west terminus at Songhong Road station.

The eastern extension runs 29.63 kilometers from Longyang Road station to Pudong International Airport. Eight of the 11 stations will be underground.

But commuters to Pudong airport must transfer to a smaller four-carriage train, at Guanglan Road station on the eastern extension.

The smaller train is because fewer passengers are expected to travel to Pudong airport.

Ordinary eight-carriage trains will run on the section between Guanglan Road station and Hongqiao airport.

Two other Metro lines passing through the World Expo site are gearing up for the Expo.

Line 11, linking the city's northwest Jiading District and the southeast coastal Nanhui District, will start trial runs at the end of the year. Trains on the line will be the city's fastest with a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour.

Training has begun for staff on Line 13, which will stop at the Expo site. Commuters with Expo tickets will travel for free.

2006/06/16

Source: Shanghai Daily