A ceremony marking the construction start of the first phase of Taiyuan Metro Line 1 takes place in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, on Dec 30. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

A ceremony marking the groundbreaking of the first phase of Taiyuan Metro Line 1 took place in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province on Dec 30, according to city rail officials. 

Lin Wu, acting governor of Shanxi province, said at the ceremony that Taiyuan Metro Line 1 would be of great value to the city's development as a comprehensive national transportation hub and the integrated development of central cities in Shanxi province. 

Starting from Xishan Mining Bureau Station and ending at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, the line will extend 28.9 kilometers and connect several road, rail and airport hubs in the city.

Officials said it is expected to go into operation by the end of 2024.