China's and Asia's longest loop metro line opened in Wuhan
The new line connects seven central districts of the city as well as two major railway stations. Trains complete a full circuit along the entire loop in 96 minutes. The operation of the line is fully automated.
China and Asia's longest loop metro line has opened in Wuhan
The longest loop metro line in China's Hubei province, Wuhan — Line 12 — was fully put into operation on October 29. Its total length is 59.9 kilometers, consisting of 37 underground stations. This line allows connections to 18 existing and planned metro lines.
The new line passes through seven central urban districts, including Qiaokou, Jianghan, and Jiang'an. It connects two major railway stations, Hankou and Wuchang. It takes approximately 96 minutes to complete a full loop.
The line was launched in two phases. The first phase, with a length of 35.3 kilometers, was opened on May 1. The newly commissioned second phase of 24.6 kilometers fully completed the loop.
The metro line passes twice under the Yangtze River and once under the Han River. The longest underwater metro tunnels in China were constructed here. Builders overcame high water pressure, complex soil layers, and numerous difficulties of long-distance underwater tunneling. This project serves as a model for the construction of underwater metro tunnels and the development of major loop rail transport.
The highest level of train operation control — the fully automated GOA4 (Grade of Automation 4) system — has been implemented on the line. Trains automatically "wake up" every morning, perform self-diagnostics, and depart from the depot. During operation, they independently stop at stations and change directions. At night, after trips are completed, the trains plan their own route back to the depot and switch to "sleep mode."
This entire process is carried out without human intervention. The control center can take over remote control at any time.
The trains are specially programmed. During peak hours, they automatically adjust service intervals. In emergency situations, they independently plan detour routes. This has brought train punctuality and emergency response efficiency to a new level.
The opening of Line 12 resolves the long-standing transport problems between the two banks of the city caused by the Yangtze and Han rivers. It also serves to develop an integrated and comprehensive transport hub in Wuhan.