“A flying train in Shanghai?” you might ask. Yes the \u7a7a\u94c1\u5b9d\u5c71\u793a\u8303\u7ebf is exactly that. It is a demonstration line. It showcases a new type of transportation in the Baoshan District. This innovative project is also known as the Baoshan Sky Train.
The \u7a7a\u94c1\u5b9d\u5c71\u793a\u8303\u7ebf represents Baoshan District’s ambition. They hope to promote suspended monorail networks. The first phase includes about 450 meters of track. There are also two stations. As of August 2023 one station was complete. The completed track was less than 400 meters.
Imagine gliding above the streets. The \u7a7a\u94c1\u5b9d\u5c71\u793a\u8303\u7ebf offers this experience. The initial plan runs along Fuliian 1st Road in Baoshan District. It covers approximately 450 meters. Stations are planned near the intersections of Fulian 1st Road and Fuxin Road. Another is planned for Fulian 1st Road and Fuchang Road. Future extensions will reach Fuxin Road and Youyi West Road totaling 940 meters.
Did you know the system is designed for a top speed of 50km/h? Its minimum turning radius is 30 meters. The first phase includes two stations. A maintenance base is also part of the plan. The system can use flexible train formations of one to four cars. This system uses GoA4 driverless technology. It is capable of 24-hour operation. Construction began on August 3 2022. Baoshan District envisions this line expanding into a 100-kilometer suspended monorail network.
Back in 2015 Baoshan District advocated for suspended monorail construction. They were impressed by a suspended monorail train at the 2015 China International Rail Transit Exhibition. Representatives from Jiading and Jing’an districts also attended. However further developments did not occur at that time.
On December 14 2020 Zifer Rail Transit signed a cooperation agreement. They partnered with Shanghai Shenkai. They agreed to jointly operate the Baoshan Sky Train. On July 23 2021 China Railway Shanqiao Group signed an agreement. They partnered with Zifer Rail Transit. The former would provide design manufacturing and installation. This included track beams and piers for test lines in Baoshan and Qingshan Lake in Hangzhou.
In May 2023 Baoshan District announced the first phase. This included 400 meters of track and a station. It was “basically completed”. By September 2023 the line began testing.
The \u7a7a\u94c1\u5b9d\u5c71\u793a\u8303\u7ebf may soon offer a unique transit experience. Keep an eye on this project. It may revolutionize urban transport in Shanghai.