The Zhuhai section of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT and its Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit extension line are expected to start mass transit operations after 12 months of preparation, bringing more transportation convenience to the public. 

The bidding announcement for the transit operation of the intercity MRT and its extension line was released on July 26. 

Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit line [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

The Zhuhai section of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai Intercity MRT passes through areas in Zhuhai's east wing that the city has given priority for development. Currently, 81.5 pairs of trains are operated daily during rush hours.

Its 22.8-km (14.2-mile) extension line -- Zhuhai Airport Urban Rail Transit -- connects densely populated areas, as well as the major transportation hubs of Zhuhai Railway Station, Hengqin Checkpoint, and Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport. The average distance between each station is 3.9 km (2.4 miles), of which the shortest distance between stations is only 1.27 km (.79 miles). Upon operation of the entire project, up to 12 pairs of trains will be conducted every hour during peak periods with an interval of five minutes. 

It is expected that the regular operation of the two routes will help upgrade the transportation service quality of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, and Jinwan District. 

According to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for the Development of Zhuhai's Comprehensive Transportation System, released April 12 by Zhuhai Transport Bureau, a 30-minute commute circle in downtown Zhuhai and 60-minute one connecting the city's east and west wings during peak hours will be formulated in upcoming five years. A loop line of intercity MRTs linking Xiangzhou, Hengqin, and Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport will also take shape as a mass transit system.