Extensions planned for Metro lines 8, 9

By Dong Zhen and Ni Yinbin  |   2009-6-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

SUBWAY lines 8 and 9 will be extended by 2012, according to a new construction plan announced yesterday by the city's Metro operator.

The extensions will serve newly developed towns in Minhang and Songjiang districts and total construction costs are budgeted at more than 5 billion yuan (US$731.3 million), Shanghai Shentong Metro Group said.

Shentong Metro disclosed the plans on a government Website to gather public opinion on the environmental impact of the projects.

Shentong Metro said it planned to start construction around December. The extensions are designed to serve residents in Songjiang New Town in Songjiang and Pujiang Town in Minhang. Both extensions are scheduled to open by 2012.

Line 9's extension is budgeted at 2.69 billion yuan. The extension will connect to the future Songjiang South Railway Station, which is one of three local stops on the under-construction Shanghai-Hangzhou express railway.

Shentong Metro also plans to spend 2.52 billion yuan to extend Line 8's service to Luhui Road in Minhang.