The Kangheng Road Station on Line 11 of the Shanghai Metro has commenced trial operations as of Sept 28. This marks Shanghai’s first new metro station to open this year.
The interior environment of the brand-new Kangheng Road Station. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
New metro lines are typically opened in their entirety, so why is only one station being opened in this instance? Chen Fan, a manager at the city’s metro operator, Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, explained the answer: “Kangheng Road Station is located on Line 11, the longest continuous operating subway line in China, between Pusan Road Station and Yuqiao Station. When the northern section of Line 11’s phase II was opened, Kangheng Road Station was built as a reserve station with only the main structure, due to the lack of passenger demand in the area. It was planned to be opened when conditions became favorable, and that time has now come.”
In line with the advancement of Pudong’s “Golden Middle Ring” development belt, the LJZ Intelligence World industrial complex is built around Kangheng Road Station, featuring research and development buildings, talent apartments, commercial spaces, hotels, and international schools. The first phase of the complex has already welcomed a number of enterprises.
In response to the growing travel needs of nearby residents and office workers, construction of the station started in July last year.
As Shanghai’s first underground station to be renovated on an existing operating line, the project has faced the dual challenge of maintaining normal line operation while safely advancing construction. As a result, the construction team made the most of a limited daily window by working on the tracks during nighttime shutdowns.
The four exits connect to surrounding office buildings and sunken plazas. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
The interior of Kangheng Road Station primarily features red accenting. The station’s four exits not only provide access to the ground level but also connect to surrounding office buildings and sunken plazas, ensuring a convenient “one-step” commute.
For a comfortable experience, the station features barrier-free elevators, public restrooms, and a gender-neutral restroom with children’s toilets and low-level sinks. Notably, the station also uses direct expansion air conditioning units and various energy-saving materials and equipment to reduce energy consumption.
The start of trial operations is an important milestone for the project, signaling its readiness to accelerate the development of key industrial sectors in the Yuqiao area and to integrate the industrial and urban functions of Lujiazui, Jinqiao, and Zhangjiang Science City.
Source: Shanghai Observer
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20240929/f07cf7b1f9e14f76a158207eb88f011f.html