State Grid Xi'an Power Supply helps railway hub stay on track

As a key railway hub in Northwest China and a vital part of the national "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railway network, Xi'an East Railway Station in Shaanxi province is gearing up to open soon. Recently, State Grid Xi'an Power Supply wrapped up 50 power line relocation projects linked to the station and its high-speed rail lines, clearing the path for the strategic megahub to operate smoothly.

Xi'an East Railway Station will boast 13 platforms and 27 tracks, integrating high-speed rail, metro, and bus services. It will connect to major railway lines including the Xi'an-Yan'an and Xi'an-Shiyan lines. To ensure timely construction, numerous power lines had to be relocated to accommodate the high-speed rail network.

From the project's outset, State Grid Xi'an Power Supply synchronized its efforts with the railway construction timeline, bringing together seasoned personnel in design, construction, and operations to form a dedicated task force. This team conducted thorough surveys of the entire area and fine-tuned the power line routes multiple times, taking into account environmental factors and grid operation standards.

Facing a challenging construction environment and tight deadlines, the task force employed innovative strategies such as phased operations and simultaneous jobs across multiple sites. They also enhanced the use of "mechanization + standardization + digital intelligence" to tackle high-risk, complex tasks, including operations near active railways, highways, and forested areas. Challenges, such as laying 330-kilovolt cables in complex tunnel environments and projects crossing operational railways, have been resolved. Throughout, the team ensured the power grid's security, maintaining uninterrupted electricity for local residents and businesses.

"We've approached this project as a critical duty to support the national high-speed railway network and boost the province's economic development," said Chang Jiyan, deputy director of the operations and maintenance department at State Grid Xi'an Power Supply.

Over the past two years, the project has seen the construction of 262 new transmission towers and 317.5 kilometers of power lines, supporting the high-speed railway's smooth construction and timely opening, according to Chang.