China's longest metro loop line opens in Wuhan

(ECNS) -- Wuhan Metro Line 12 in central China’s Hubei province began full operations Thursday, marking China’s longest metro loop line, the China Association of Metros confirmed.

The 59.9-kilometer (37.2-mile) line has 37 underground stations and connects seven central urban districts in Wuhan. It links the city’s two major railway hubs, Hankou Railway Station and Wuchang Railway Station, and connects with 18 existing and planned rail transit lines. A full trip around the loop takes about 96 minutes.

The opening is expected to ease cross-river commuting constraints caused by the Yangtze and Han rivers, while strengthening Wuhan’s role as a comprehensive transport hub in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

(By Gong Weiwei)