Kunming subway starts trial run

This photo shows a passenger on a new subway line in Kunming which has started a trial operation. Construction started in 2010 and Line 1 and Line 2 stretch a total of 42.1 kilometers. [Photo by Chen Yuzhou/chinadaily.com.cn]

The first phase of Subway Line 1 and Line 2 in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan province, linking the city's north and south, started a trial run on Wednesday.

It is the first fully functional subway that's built on plateau in China, and the first subway train departed from the Northern Bus Station at 6:20am and arrived at University Town one hour later.

Line 1 and Line 2 have a total of 31 stations stretching about 42.1 kilometers.

The successful operation of the two new subway lines marks a new era for the Kunming Subway, said Li Guodong, a resident of the city.

"It is much more convenient than taking a bus," said Li.

Construction of the first phase of Line 1 and Line 2 began on April 30, 2010.

The authorities also plan to continue the subway construction and ensure a total of 6 lines are running by the end of 2018.

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