Chongqing to Boost Rail Connectivity with Upcoming Bishan-Tongliang Line

Chongqing - Chongqing is about to make a big improvement in its rail transit system with the upcoming opening of the Bishan-Tongliang suburban railway line, which is expected to open before the end of the year.

The new line, which connects the two districts of Bishan and Tongliang, promises to significantly improve connectivity with a maximum operational speed of 140 km/h, making it the fastest rail line in the city's history. 

Chongqing's Bishan-Tongliang Suburban Railway Line is about to open. (Photo/Tang Xin)

Chongqing's rail transit system comprises several key components, including trunk railways, intercity railways, suburban railways, and urban rail lines. 

The Bishan-Tongliang line is part of the suburban network with nine stations. Each train carriage can accommodate over 1,500 passengers. The journey between Tongliang West Station and Bishan Station takes approximately 25 minutes, offering a quicker, more efficient alternative to road transport.

One of the standout features of the Bishan-Tongliang line is its speed. With a maximum speed of 140 km/h, the line has broken records for Chongqing's rail network and set a new benchmark for future rail transit projects in the city. 

The Bishan-Tongliang line is not only fast but also represents a major advancement in construction technology. It is the first rail project in Chongqing to use prefabricated methods for building the bridge foundations. The platform slabs and slope protection frames are also made using prefabricated technology, setting an example for the city's push to industrialize rail construction.

Sustainability has also been a key focus in the design and construction of the Bishan-Tongliang line. All nine stations along the route have been built to meet green building standards, which featured a sleek, modern design with white-painted walls and black fire-retardant ceilings. 

Grass-green ceiling lights add a vibrant touch to the minimalist aesthetic, which combines both beauty and practicality. Large glass panels allow natural light to flood into the stations, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy savings.

Additionally, the Bishan-Tongliang Line is the first in the city to deploy InSAR remote sensing monitoring technology, a radar-based system widely used for tracking surface deformation. Offering advantages such as continuous, all-weather monitoring with high precision and real-time coverage, InSAR can detect geological hazards like ground subsidence, landslides, and earthquakes during the construction and operational phases of the line.

The new line also introduces more passenger-friendly features, including wider train carriages. While previous suburban trains in Chongqing measured 2.9 meters in width, the Bishan-Tongliang Line uses urban rail express trains with a 3.3-meter width and horizontal seating, providing greater comfort for long-distance commuters.

Bishan and Tongliang are districts in Chongqing, a city in southwestern China. Bishan is known for its scenic landscapes and growing urban development, while Tongliang, situated to the northeast, is an important cultural and historical area with a rich heritage.