Photo: Nanfang Plus
According to the Urban Planning and Construction Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, the Hengqin Line of the Macao LRT is expected to pass acceptance and run trial operations in October 2024, preparing to provide residents of both Macao and Hengqin with a new option for cross-border transport.
With the connection between the Taipa Line and Hengqin Line stations completed in August, and civil engineering work now nearly finished, test trains are already running on the Hengqin Line, undergoing crucial system and performance assessments.
This addition will further support Macao's integration into the “One-Hour Living Circle” in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), making travel across the region more efficient and convenient.
Photo: Nanfang Plus
Construction of the Hengqin Line began in March 2021. The route covers approximately 2.2 kilometers and includes two stations: the HE1 Station, located near the Taipa Line’s Lotus Bridge Station, and the HE2 Station, which is beneath Hengqin Port. The extension line incorporates a combination of elevated tracks and an underwater tunnel. The elevated section starts at HE1 Station and gradually descends before passing under the Shizimen Waterway through a 900-meter tunnel, ultimately arriving at HE2 Station.
In addition, several other major rail projects are being developed to connect Hengqin more broadly to other cities in the GBA. Among these is the Guangzhou-Zhuhai (Macao) High-Speed Rail, passing through key transit hubs like Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Yuzhu, Nansha, Zhongshan South, Zhuhai Hezhou, and Hengqin Port along the way.
Direct train services between Guangzhou South Station and Zhuhai Airport Station (which will call at Hengqin Station) are scheduled to be introduced by the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, a total of 16 direct trains will be added to services. After the Hengqin Line opens, passengers traveling from Guangzhou South will be able to transfer directly to the Macao LRT at Hengqin Port.
Reporter: Eastbrook
Editor: Nan, Nina, James
