At 6:30 am on September 4, the Changsha Metro Line 2 West Extension Phase II Project officially began passenger operations. This marks the 12th line (section) to enter service within the Changsha rail transit network, and also represents the largest westward extension of Line 2 since its initial launch in 2014.

The initial operational section runs from Longhuling Station to Meixihu West Station. The 11.06-kilometers-long section comprises nine stations: Zhongtang, Caolongqiao, Mojiazhou, Qiaotoupu, Zhutianzhou, Chetianwan, Zhenrenqiao, Hualong, and Longhuling. Among them, Zhongtang Station offers a transfer to Line 6. With this, the total operating mileage of Changsha rail transit network reaches 255.6 kilometers (including the Dawangshan Yunba Line), and the total number of stations increases to 179.

Due to ongoing construction at Changsha West Railway Station hub project and the auxiliary facilities at the entrances and exits of Shaojiawan Station, these two stations will not be put into service at this time. Their specific opening dates will be announced separately.

In terms of service operations, the Metro Line 2 West Extension Phase II is subject to the city's unified fare structure, with the highest single-trip fare across the whole network capped at 9 CNY. The schedules of first and last trains are consistent with those of existing lines, operating from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. The line adopts a long-route and short-route model, with the long route operating between Guangda Station and Longhuling Station, and the short route between Guangda Station and Meixihu West Station. The minimum headway is three minutes and 44 seconds during weekday peak hours, and three minutes and 34 seconds during weekend peak hours. The entire line implements the national concessionary travel policy, offering free rides to children under 14 years old, seniors aged 65 and above, active-duty military personnel, veterans, people with disabilities, and other eligible groups.

The Metro Line 2 West Extension Phase II spans 13.82 kilometers and runs entirely underground. It is planned to extend northward to Changsha West Railway Station. The route passes through three key areas: Lugu Science and Technology Innovation Industrial Park, Meixihu International New Town, and Changsha West High-speed Rail New Town. Once Changsha West Railway Station is put into use and the entire line 2 is fully connected for operation, Line 2 will become the city's only metro trunk line connecting the three major transportation hubs—Changsha South Railway Station, Changsha Railway Station, and Changsha West High-speed Railway Station. The total length of the line will reach 40.35 kilometers, with 34 stations. 

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Voice of Hunan