Xi'an Subway

Xi'an Subway is a metro system currently under construction to serve the city of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in People's republic of China. Line 2 is currently under construction and Line 1 will begin construction in 2009. Four other routes are also planned to start in 2013 and finish around 2020. When completed the total system will be 251.8 kilometers (157 miles). [http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=306]

Line 2

The first line, Line 2, began construction along Chang An street on September 29, 2006 and is scheduled to be completed by 2011. It will run north-south and pass under such historic sites as the Bell Tower and city wall. It will be 26.4 km long with 23.5 km being underground approximatively 20 meters below the surface. [http://china.org.cn/english/China/182643.htm] It is estimated to cost 17.9 billion yuan (US$2.24 billion). [http://china.org.cn/english/China/182643.htm] The route will be from the Xian Railway Station to Changyanbu with 20 stops in between. [http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=334] The travel time will only be 39 minutes for the entire length, cutting the commute almost in half.

Line 1

The 2nd route will start to be built in 2009. It is scheduled to be completed by 2015. It will run from east to west.

The preparation phase for the extension of Xi'an's Line One has started with the compilation of a feasibility study on November 4, 2007. It also said that Line One will probably be extended to People's Square in Xianyang and Xianyang International Airport.

To accelerate the speed of overall economy development between Xi'an and Xianyang cities, the Transportation Department of Xi'an has decided to extend Line One to People's Square to promote business travel between the two cities, as well as improve the efficiency of land usage alongside Line One. This project is scheduled to start after the completion of Line Two in 2009 and to be put into operation in 2013. Moreover, other subway lines including Line Three, Line Four, Line Five and Line Six will start construction in 2013 according to the plan.

After the extension of Line One to the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, Xianyang City will become the first second-tier city in a China with a subway.