Guangzhou Metro- Line 3

Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro is a crucial north-south rapid transit line that spans across various districts of Guangzhou, China. Here are the key details about Line 3:

Overview

  • Total Length: 65.43 kilometers (40.66 miles)
  • Type: Rapid transit, entirely underground
  • Color: Orange
  • Sections:
    • Main Line (Shiqiao Line): Panyu Square to Tianhe Coach Terminal (57.93 km)
    • Airport Line: Tiyu Xilu to Airport North (7.5 km)

History and Construction

  • Initial Plans: Originally conceived as a peripheral circulator line in Guangzhou’s subway masterplan in the early 1990s, Line 3 evolved to become a major north-south transit artery due to urban development needs.
  • Construction Timeline: Groundbreaking started in 2001, with various sections opening in phases between 2005 and 2010. Extensions and adjustments continued post-inauguration to enhance capacity and address congestion.

Features

  • Longest Subway Tunnel: The main branch (57.93 km) ranks as the third longest continuous subway tunnel globally.
  • Train Control: Operates with Seltrac S40 CBTC technology from Alcatel, ensuring efficient train operations.
  • Congestion: Known for severe congestion, especially during peak hours, with operational challenges due to high demand exceeding capacity projections.

Stations and Services

  • Stations: Includes major stops such as Panyu Square, Zhujiang New Town, Tiyu Xilu, Guangzhou East Railway Station, and Baiyun International Airport terminals.
  • Services: Offers several service types, including express and local services tailored for different commuter needs.

Recent Developments

  • Expansion: Continual adjustments and expansions have been made to meet increasing ridership demands and alleviate congestion.
  • Future Plans: Line 3 remains a pivotal component of Guangzhou’s metro network, with ongoing efforts to optimize operations and accommodate future growth.

Here are the stations of Line 3 of the Guangzhou Metro, categorized into the main line (Shiqiao Line) and the Airport Line:

Main Line (Shiqiao Line)

  1. Panyu Square (番禺广场)
  2. Shiqiao (市桥)
  3. Hanxi Changlong (汉溪长隆)
  4. Dashi (大石)
  5. Xiajiao (厦滘)
  6. Lijiao (沥滘)
  7. Datang (大塘)
  8. Kecun (客村)
  9. Canton Tower (广州塔)
  10. Zhujiang New Town (珠江新城)
  11. Tiyu Xilu (体育西路)
  12. Shipaiqiao (石牌桥)
  13. Gangding (岗顶)
  14. South China Normal University (华师)
  15. Wushan (五山)
  16. Tianhe Coach Terminal (天河客运站)
  17. Linhexi (林和西)
  18. Guangzhou East Railway Station (广州东站)
  19. Yantang (燕塘)
  20. Meihuayuan (梅花园)
  21. Jingxi Nanfang Hospital (京溪南方医院)
  22. Tonghe (同和)
  23. Yongtai (永泰)
  24. Baiyundadaobei (白云大道北)
  25. Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗)
  26. Longgui (龙归)
  27. Renhe (人和)
  28. Gaozeng (高增)
  29. Airport South (Terminal 1) (机场南(1号航站楼))
  30. Airport North (Terminal 2) (机场北(2号航站楼))

Airport Line

  • Tiyu Xilu (体育西路)
  • Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗)
  • Longgui (龙归)
  • Renhe (人和)
  • Gaozeng (高增)
  • Airport South (Terminal 1) (机场南(1号航站楼))
  • Airport North (Terminal 2) (机场北(2号航站楼))

These stations span across different districts of Guangzhou, connecting major residential, commercial, and transportation hubs within the city.

Line 3 serves as a critical link in Guangzhou’s urban transport infrastructure, connecting key areas from the southern Panyu district to the northern airport terminals, facilitating efficient travel for millions of passengers daily despite operational challenges.