What's on the Horizon for Subway Line 3?

Work is progressing on Beijing Subway Line 3, with tracks being laid across eight stations set to open in the line's initial phase, including transfer stations at Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang Park, and Tuanjiehu, reports WeChat account BeijingChaoyang (北京朝阳).

Electricity has also been successfully connected along the "Dongba section" of the route, which runs between Dongba Zhongjie station to Dongfeng station in northeastern Chaoyang district.

Once completed, Phase I of Line 3 will run from Dongsishitiao station in Dongcheng District to Dongfeng station in Chaoyang District, encompassing a total of ten stops with six transfer stations connecting to Lines 2, 10, 14, and the as of yet to-be-completed Line 12 and 17. Line 3 Phase I spans a total distance of 15.6 km.

Furthermore, a standout feature of Line 3 is its complete automation. This line will function entirely without the need for a driver's intervention, thanks to real-time monitoring and control from a ground signal system. This remote operation ensures a seamless and safe ride for passengers.

Another innovation prioritizes passenger comfort. The lighting system within the subway cars will adjust automatically according to the environment. This ensures that the brightness inside the cars will always remain within the most comfortable range for passengers, enhancing their travel experience.

Line 3 has been a thorn in the side of the Beijing Subway since it was first announced way back in 2005. The original plan was to have the route run from Tiancun all the way in Haidian District to Caogezhuangbei in Chaoyang District, spanning 37.4km, with 27 stations in between, making it a long-distance route stretching from the east to the west.

After a change of plans in 2016, the line was shortened, with the western terminus being moved to Dongsishitiao and the Caogezhuangbei terminus in the east remaining. Line 3's completion date has been moved constantly, with an end date being placed in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

While it was speculated that the opening of the line would be coming at the end of 2023, along with the opening of Line 17, this deadline was scrapped earlier this year. As of yet, no new deadline for opening has been announced.

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Images: unsplash,北京朝阳