The third subway line in Hongqiao Central Business District, Shanghai is expected to come into service by the end of this year. [Photo/WeChat account: hongqiaoshangwuqu]

The third subway line in Hongqiao Central Business District, Shanghai is expected to come into service by the end of the year, according to expert review meetings held from Nov 30 to Dec 3.

The review meetings were organized by the Shanghai Transportation Trade Association and a local rail traffic consulting company to assess the conditions of the subway line for its trial operation.

The overall length of Line 17 is about 35.3 kilometers with 13 stations, of which six are elevated and the rest underground.

Hongqiao's integrated transportation pivot, the National Convention and Exhibition Centre as well as other important areas are connected via the subway line which can also take passengers to various sightseeing spots in the district.

Experts praised the construction and preparation for the trial operation of subway Line 17, with all confirming that it satisfies the requirements for trial operation.

Hongqiao CBD is set to play an important role as an international comprehensive transportation pivot in the near future, integrating commuting, transferring and business trips, as well as reducing its reliance on the public transportation system of downtown in Shanghai.

The Shanghai Master Plan 2040 (Outline) incorporates the district's central areas into the management of Shanghai's downtown, which brings out higher demand for the development of Hongqiao CBD.

Five aspects of transportation planning – road traffic, rail traffic, routine bus system, static traffic, and slow-moving traffic – have been sketched out, according to the plan.

As for rail traffic, another three rail lines are to be established within the district in the near future.