Ningbo-Xiangshan railway opens with cross-sea bridge

The Ningbo-Xiangshan suburban railway in Zhejiang province began operations on Sept 22, opening a fresh rail link between Ningbo's urban area and Xiangshan county.

Built by Ningbo Rail Transit Group, the railway stretches 61.45 kilometers and has 10 stations, with trains reaching a maximum operating speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Its most striking feature is the Xiangshan Bay cross-sea bridge, which carries the railway across the East China Sea.

The bridge is more than 8 kilometers long, with a 1,376-meter main bridge and a 688-meter main span. It is China's first cross-sea bridge for a suburban railway and currently the world's longest-span cable-stayed railway bridge using ballastless track. Running parallel to an existing expressway bridge across Xiangshan Bay, it creates a distinctive "train at sea" view.

Doubling as the Xiangshan section of Ningbo Metro Line 12, the Ningbo-Xiangshan railway also brings greater convenience to people's everyday lives. "We have set up packing stations at stops near vegetable markets, providing tools such as wide adhesive tape and waterproof bags designed for seafood," said Wang Bo, a deputy station manager for the line.

The line has also opened a green channel for farmers. Designated staff assist with expedited security checks and the handling of goods, making it easier for the bustle of everyday life to go hand in hand with convenient travel.

According to Ningbo Rail Transit, Line 12 was opened for trial rides from Sept 14 to 19, giving residents an opportunity to experience the "romance of traveling across the sea" ahead of its official opening.

Following the launch, the fastest journey from Ningbo's urban area to Xiangshan will take about 30 minutes. The railway is expected to ease congestion on the Ningbo-Dongguan Expressway, strengthen connectivity between the urban center and the southern coastal areas, and help guide industries and residents toward emerging growth poles.