Beijing To Build Its First Maglev Line

Construction on the western part of Beijing's first maglev line, S1, has started and is expected to be completed at the end of 2013.

The S1 line will uses a low- and medium-speed maglev train that can reach a maximum speed of 105 kilometers per hour. The western portion is about 10.24 kilometers and stretches from Shimenying in Mentougou district to Pingguoyuan in Shijingshan district.

After completion, passengers will be able to take two subway lines, M6 and M11, at Shimenying and Pingguoyuan. The two lines are now in the planning phase.

The S1 Line is part of Beijing municipal government's efforts to boost the development of the city's less developed areas.