On August 18th, the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit Phase I from Intercity MRT Zhuhai Station in Gongbei to Hengqin Chimelong Station officially opens, and it takes about 30 minutes one way with a designed speed of 100 km/h. In the initial period, there will be 21 trains every day to provide travel services for both Zhuhai and Macao residents.

The 39.48-km Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit is an extension of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT which is important for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao transport network. 

The length of the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit Phase I is 16.86 km, with the stops including Zhuhai, Wanzai North, Wanzai (not open yet), Shizimen, Hengqin North, and Hengqin stations. Except for Zhuhai Station, the others are built underground.

As for Hengqin Station, which is the largest in Phase I, covering an area of 60,000 square meters, with a total of 12 entry and exits, plus 10 evacuation entrances.

Exit 4 and Exit 5 are opposite to the new Hengqin Port, which was opened on August 18th, and passengers can reach the port only by walking a few steps from the exits.

What's more, the station sets up the ports for connection with the light rail system of Macao. In the future, Zhuhai and Macao will realize the connection of high-speed rail, intercity rail and light rail at Zhuhai Station as well as Hengqin Station.

Urban rail electronic tickets are now on sale (11 yuan, one way) starting from 9:30 pm, August 17th, which brings convenience for passengers that have no need to exchange for additional paper tickets when arriving at the station.

Regarding the Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit Phase II, running 23 km from Hengqin Chimelong Station to Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport, it is estimated to be completed by 2023.

According to China Daily, it will take only 30 minutes travel from Gongbei to the airport at that time. The line will link up the intercity mass rail transit systems of Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Foshan to form a comprehensive transportation network in the Pearl River Delta, which will also reach Macao.

Author: Will

Editors: Monica, Jerry