China's Xi'an expands subway network to 422 kilometers with new automated line

XI'AN -- Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province renowned for its iconic Terracotta Warriors, inaugurated a new fully autonomous subway line on Monday, extending its urban rail transit network to 422 kilometers.

With this addition, the city now operates 12 subway lines with a total of 246 stations.

The first phase of Line 15 is about 19.5 kilometers long with 13 underground stations and runs through the southern part of Xi'an. It serves as a trunk line in the city's rail transit system.

Autonomous trains on the new line, powered by Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4), the highest automation level available, can travel at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, said Wang Cheng, project manager at construction contractor China Railway 21st Bureau Group Corporation Limited.

The station interiors incorporate design elements inspired by the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) and Tang Dynasty (618-907), highlighting the cultural heritage of one of China's most historically significant ancient capitals.

Home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and numerous other historic landmarks including the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower, Xi'an boasts a history spanning over 3,100 years. The city served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history.

Ahead of the New Year holiday, many cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Jinan, have launched new subway lines to ease traffic congestion and serve newly developed areas amid years of rapid urban rail transit expansion. Beijing and Shanghai now each operate rail transit networks exceeding 900 kilometers in length.