On November 30, Shenzhen Metro Line 12 marked a major engineering milestone as the first commissioning section for rolling stock, spanning approximately 11 kilometers of the main line, achieved short track connection. This lays a solid foundation for the full-scale launch of section construction along the entire line and creates the basic conditions for starting debugging of the fully automated operation system.

Significance of track connection on the first commissioning section

Shenzhen Metro Line 12 has selected Lingzhi Station (inclusive) to Huangtian Station (exclusive), the Airport East Depot and the depot access line—a total of 9 stations and 10 sections—as the first commissioning section for rolling stock. This will provide data support and accumulate driverless operation experience for the subsequent fully automated unmanned debugging of the entire line.

A practitioner of technology-driven metro

Shenzhen Metro Line 12 adopts the GAO4 system with a fully automated unmanned operation mode. Compared with the traditional CBTC system already in operation, its new functions mainly include automatic operations in depots/parking lots, automatic operations on the main line, and automatic detection and handling of faults and emergencies.

Significantly reducing overall integrated commissioning time

The first commissioning section is expected to begin on-line debugging on March 28, 2022, according to a relevant person in charge of Shenzhen Metro Group. Track connection on the first commissioning section has greatly improved section construction efficiency and created leading conditions for equipment installation, integrated commissioning and testing, and fully automated operation debugging. Overall, it is expected to shorten debugging time by about 2-3 months.

Sufficient resources to move forward

The large volume of track engineering and the tight construction schedule are the two major difficulties facing the track engineering of Shenzhen Metro Line 12. To overcome these difficulties and steadily advance the project, under the overall guidance of Shenzhen Metro Group, PowerChina Southern Company and the project department of the work area carefully carried out construction planning, comprehensively analyzed factors constraining progress such as site handover time, cross-passage construction time, line and slope adjustment, drawing plans, and material supply, and adjusted construction arrangements in real time to ensure completion of construction milestones on schedule. By fully mobilizing resources and planning in advance for personnel, equipment, and materials, they ensured that each handed-over construction section was laid as soon as it was available, achieving efficient progress.

As of now, 25 stations on Shenzhen Metro Line 12 have been topped out, and the section tunnels have been fully connected. In addition, the total track engineering length of the entire line is about 119 kilometers, of which 76 kilometers have been completed, reaching a completion rate of 64%. According to plan, Shenzhen Metro Line 12 will be completed and opened by the end of 2022.