Shanghai Metro Line 18 Phase II began its initial operation on Dec 27, connecting key nodes within Wusong Innovation City and delivering the first east-west metro corridor to southern Baoshan district.

The newly opened section comprises five underground stations. Hulan Road station offers transfers to Line 1, while South Changjiang Road station connects to Line 3, significantly improving public transport options for local residents.

A Baoshan resident surnamed He said the new line has sharply reduced travel time to destinations such as Wujiaochang, cutting journeys that previously took more than an hour.

The opening of Line 18 Phase II fills a long-standing gap in Baoshan's transport network, where existing metro lines have largely followed a north-south alignment.

Running through the core of the "Greater Wusong" area, the lines serve a 110 square kilometer zone focused on industrial transformation and intelligent manufacturing.

A representative from the Baoshan District Commission of Development described the line as a "golden link" closely integrated into the Greater Wusong development blueprint.

The new metro line is expected to stimulate commercial and industrial development along its route.

Pan Jie, deputy director of Miaohang Town Urban Development Center, revealed plans to develop a transit-oriented development complex at the new terminus, Kangwen Road station, revitalizing a former industrial area.

Industrial parks along the line are also adjusting their strategies to attract higher-quality enterprises.

According to a representative from Songnan town's economic division, the area near Tongnan Road station has already seen the introduction of fund companies and ongoing negotiations with several tech enterprises.

Furthermore, Line 18 connects seven universities, facilitating collaboration between these institutions and the surrounding areas.

Gao Xingyu, public affairs director at RoboticPlus.AI, said that the improved connectivity between Lines 3 and 18 will enhance communication with universities and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, helping the company meet its talent needs.

The opening of Line 18 Phase II also signals a revival for the surrounding neighborhoods. The Shanghai Museum of Glass, a popular tourist destination, is now just 400 meters from West Changjiang Road station.

The extension adds to Shanghai's ever-expanding metro network.

Chen Wangui, executive director of the Transportation Research Center at China Railway Shanghai Design Institute, said the city's metro network now spans 906 kilometers with 523 stations across 21 lines, ranking among the world's largest in both scale and ridership.

Sources: Jiefang Daily, Shanghai Observer