On December 31, 2020, the total passenger flow of the Hangzhou subway network reached a new record of over 3 million, and since the New Year's Holiday, passenger traffic has been growing steadily. The newly opened Line 6 and Line 7 have become the "new favourites".
With the new Line 8 already having been opened, there are several plans for further expansions completions and new lines this year.
Phase II - Expansions
Line 4 (Zijingang Road<--> Pengbu)
At over 24km with 15 stations this is the longest line planned to open this year.
Line 4 Phase II is mainly aimed at strengthening the links between the western and northern regions of Hangzhou as well as Hangzhou East Station, Hangzhou Main City and Qianjiang New City.
The aim is to ease traffic pressure in urban areas, driving regional development and construction along the route, and to help serve the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Line 6 (Gouju Lane<--> Fengbei)
Though Phase I was just opened, the expansion with Phase II is already on the way.
Line 6 Phase II is a subway line that will reach the main venue of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Games Village and connect the East Station hub.
Line 7 (Wushan Square <--> Olympic Sports Center)
The main construction is still underway at Wushan Square, despite it being started first, due to hard rock and the geological complexity that has caused various construction difficulties.
After completion Hangzhou City Station (Hangzhou Station) and Xiaoshan International Airport will be linked, two important integrated transportation hubs.
Line 8 (Wenhai South Road <--> Xinwan)
The line will be made up of 8 stations and over 17km in length.
The line presented an interesting challenge, as it crosses over 2,800m of the Qiantang River.
The line aims to serve a connection between Qiantang New Area and the main urban area.
Line 9 (Longanhu Road <--> Sijiqing)
The first phase of Hangzhou Metro Line 9 extends from the north and south ends of the Linping Branch Line of the Hangzhou Metro Line 1.
Once operating the line will serve as an important supporting transportation facility for the second phase of Qianjiang New City, the construction of a TOD (transit-oriented development) city, but also the construction of Linpingshan North Area.