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The Kunming Metro is a rapid transit system currently under construction in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. With a population just over 3 million, Kunming is one of the largest cities in China without a metro system. The system will initially consist of 2 lines, with a further 4 proposed. The metro will consist of subway segments in the city centre and above ground grade-separated segments in the periphery.
Background
The streets of Kunming have long been congested and there have been talks of a subway system for almost a decade. A 2006 proposal would have seen construction start in 2008 with a north-south line and an east-west line. The current rapid transit system was first announced in 2009, with construction scheduled to start later that year. The proposed routes not only serve commuters in Kunming city centre, but will help encourage development to the city's southeast. The suburb of Chenggong has the site of a recent construction boom, although most new developments are still unoccupied without adequate transit connections. Thus, the Kunming Metro will serve the dual purpose of alleviating traffic problems in the city's core, and encouraging growth the southeast. A future phase of the metro will also connect with the new Kunming Xiaoshao International Airport to the east.
Construction officially began in May 2010, after months of delays. An elevated test section had been under construction since 2009. Lines 1 and 2 were scheduled to open in 2012, but with delays, it is estimated they won't open until early 2013. The entire system consisting of 6 lines is estimated to be complete by 2018.
Route Description
The first phase will consist of lines 1 and 2.
Line 1 will be 34km long, running from Kunming city centre to the Kunming Radio and Television University in Chenggong New City. It will consist of underground segments in Kunming and Chenggong and an elevated segment connecting the two. Attractions served will include Kunming Station, Century City, Guandu old town, and Sports City.
Line 2 will be the north-south backbone of the system, connecting the North Bus Station with Fubao.
Line 3 will be the east-west backbone of the system, running primarily along Dongfeng and Renmin Roads. This line will run from the East Bus Station through the city centre and connect to the city's west near the edge of Dianchi Lake.
Line 4 will compliment line 1 by connecting Kunming's north and east with Chenggong New City.
Line 5 will act as a feeder running from the southwest to the southeast.
Line 6 will be an express line connecting the main lines of the system with the new Kunming Xiaoshao International Airport.
