As the final phase of construction unfolds, Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station is gearing up for its official opening, marking a significant milestone in the city's transportation network.

A ceremony held on Dec 16 saw staff members pledging their commitment to providing exceptional service as the station prepares for its scheduled opening by the end of this month.

Positioned as one of the key stations along the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-speed Railway, which commenced trial runs in November, the Songjiang Railway Station is poised to become a vital hub along the 163.8-kilometer route linking Shanghai with Suzhou in Jiangsu province and Huzhou in Zhejiang province. Designed to accommodate high-speed trains operating at an average speed of 350 kilometers per hour, this railway promises swift and efficient connectivity between these bustling urban centers.

Ranked as Shanghai's third-largest railway station, following Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai East Railway Station, the Songjiang Railway Station boasts four above-ground floors, each dedicated to specific functions such as arrivals, train platforms, waiting areas, and commercial spaces. Encompassing a vast area of 60,000 square meters, the station features nine platforms and 23 tracks, with an anticipated annual footfall of 20 million passengers post-launch.

Xue Huiming, a senior designer from Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co Ltd, highlighted the station's design ethos, emphasizing its integration with local surroundings. The inclusion of sustainable membranes on the roof serves the dual purpose of allowing natural light to filter in while expelling excess heat, promoting energy efficiency within the structure.

Noteworthy features of the station include seamless connectivity to the city's major highways, convenient access via buses and metros, 14 ticket gates, and a forthcoming installation of approximately 3,000 chairs within the waiting area. The central 12306 service station will cater to diverse passenger needs, offering information services, lost-and-found assistance, and wheelchair-accessible ticket sales both inside and outside the station. Additionally, a service center equipped with nursing rooms stands ready to support passengers requiring special assistance.

Wang Jian, an official representing the Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station, expressed confidence in the station's preparedness for operation, citing the recruitment and training of over 200 new staff members, including those proficient in English to handle various duties and emergencies.

"We are confident that Shanghai Songjiang Railway Station will operate as scheduled," Wang said.