Shanghai's municipal authority has confirmed during a public interview on Oct 21 that the highly anticipated rail link connecting the city's Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport is slated to commence operations by the end of 2024.

The forthcoming rail link will traverse from east to west, linking Shanghai's two major airports and three key train stations along its 68.6-kilometer route. With nine strategically located stations spanning the Minhang and Xuhui districts and Pudong New Area, the rail link is poised to streamline inter-airport and intercity travel for passengers.

Having commenced trial operations in early September sans passengers, the rail link has undergone rigorous testing over more than 20 days, operating under regular weekday schedules to evaluate its performance across various operational scenarios. The line's design incorporates modern conveniences such as parallel seating arrangements, designated luggage areas, and convenient charging stations, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for commuters.

Once operational, the rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two airports, slashing the current 90-minute journey to a swift 40-minute transit for passengers. A representative from Shanghai Shen-Tie Investment Co Ltd highlighted the seamless transfer opportunities for passengers between the rail link and Metro Line 9 at Zhongchun Road Station, promising enhanced convenience and connectivity for travelers. Details regarding the rail link's fare structure are set to be unveiled in the near future.

In parallel with the imminent launch of the inter-airport rail link, the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission has revealed plans for the initiation of construction on additional metro lines, including Line 19 and Line 20. These ambitious expansion projects are poised to bolster Shanghai's extensive transit network, augmenting the city's transportation capacity and connectivity while advancing major rail and road infrastructure initiatives.

Source: Shanghai Observer