New 40km Light Railway Fully Operational

2003/03/01

Beijing's new city light railway, the longest of its type in China at 40.85 kilometers, is now fully operational. Stretching in a huge U-shape from the north of the city and built at a cost of 6.57 billion yuan (US$801 million), the new No.13 line comprises the first local track to be built on surface and overhead rails.

About 190 trains operate each day at 10 to 15 minute intervals at speeds of up to 44kph, according to the Beijing Subway Group. Traveling the entire route takes about 56 minutes. The first phase of the new line, covering 20.62 kilometers, came into operation in September last year.



	Article featured in Beijing This Month, March 2003 Publication sponsored by Information Office of the Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism