Construction of two tram lines in Longhua New District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China commenced on 27 December 2013.[1] The tram system will integrate the north side of Longhua into the city’s rail network and is expected to significantly ease commuting difficulties, especially since the northern extension of Line 4 is still being planned. The tram line will eventually connect with Line 4 at Guanlan Central Station.
The first line is a new 11.5-kilometer, north-to-south tram line. The tram will link Qinghu Station on Line 4 of the Shenzhen Metro with central Guanlan, with service to Longhua areas including Automobile Industry City, Guanlan Strategic New Industries Park and the Science and Technology Service Center. The line will have 21 stations and be built for about 1.38 billion yuan (US$226 million). It is expected to help residents commute and relieve traffic congestion in the local area. The line is expected to open on 15 December 2016.[2]
Work on a 3.8-kilometer spur that will link Guanlan New Industry Park with Dahe Road. The spur is expected to cost 218 million yuan.
Zhao Pinglin, deputy director of Shenzhen Rail Construction Headquarters, said tram systems have shorter, cheaper construction periods than metro and light rail. Modern tram systems also have lower energy consumption, more flexibility and quieter operations, Zhao said. Longhua is planning three tram lines totaling 51 kilometers. Construction of metro projects can take four to five years and cost 600-700 million yuan per kilometer, while tram lines can cost about 100 million yuan per kilometer and be used for 30 years.
