Meizhou-Longchuan High-Speed Railway Opens, Connecting Guangdong’s RevolutionaryOld Area to the Greater Bay Area
Guangzhou, China – Thehighly anticipated Meizhou-Longchuan High-Speed Railway (梅龙高铁) officially commenced operations on September 14th, 2024,with the inaugural train departing from Guangzhou East Station. This new railway line, designed for speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, significantly reduces travel time betweenthe revolutionary old area of eastern Guangdong and the Greater Bay Area, marking the formation of a new high-speed passenger transport corridor.
The journey between Meizhou West Station and Guangzhou East Station now takes a mere 1 hour and 47 minutes, a reduction of 2 hours and 5 minutes compared to previous travel times. This substantial time saving will undoubtedly enhance convenience for passengers traveling between the two regions.
The first day of operation saw 15 trains running on the line,with plans to increase to 30 trains daily to meet the growing demand for passenger travel. Notably, tickets for the inaugural trips sold out rapidly, reflecting the high level of public enthusiasm and anticipation for the new railway line.
To accommodate the expected passenger flow, Guangzhou East Station has implemented several measures. Passengers traveling onG-series trains are directed to the fourth waiting room on the fourth floor, while those on D-series trains wait in the second waiting room on the first floor. During peak hours, the station will open 12 entry and security check channels to minimize queuing time for passengers.
Furthermore, the station has undertaken a comprehensiveoverhaul of its service facilities, including passenger elevators, display screens, broadcasting systems, automatic ticketing machines, real-name verification equipment, gates, security scanners, restrooms, lighting, flooring, ceilings, and water supply systems. These upgrades ensure the smooth operation of the station’s infrastructure.
To facilitate passenger navigation, Guangzhou East Station hasinstalled comprehensive route guidance signage at the first and second entrances, as well as at prominent locations such as entry points, elevator entrances, and ticket gates, specifically highlighting the Meizhou-Longchuan section. The station has also enhanced its service offerings through the Red Cotton Party Member Service Post, adding ticket refund and change servicesfor greater passenger convenience.
The opening of the Meizhou-Longchuan High-Speed Railway is expected to significantly contribute to the integration of eastern Guangdong into the Greater Bay Area development strategy. It will also play a crucial role in fostering coordinated economic and social development in the region. Guangzhou East Station, as a regional railway hub, iscommitted to providing passengers with high-quality and efficient service.
At the station, Mr. Xie and his family, dressed in matching outfits, were excited to experience the inaugural G8494 train journey to Meizhou West Station. This is the first time I’m bringing my 18-month-oldbaby back to see my mother-in-law in Meizhou. We’re so happy. Previously, I would take the train home, which took four hours. Now, we’re going to experience a two-hour journey, and we’re really looking forward to it, shared Mr. Xie.
TheLongyan-Longchuan High-Speed Railway, originating from Longyan Station in Longyan City, Fujian Province, traverses Meizhou City in Guangdong Province and terminates at Longchuan West Station in Heyuan City, Guangdong Province. The entire line spans 290 kilometers and is being constructed in three sections: Longyanto Wuping, Wuping to Meizhou West, and Meizhou West to Longchuan West. The Longyan to Wuping section opened on December 26, 2023, while the Wuping to Meizhou West section is currently under construction.
The newly opened MeizhouWest to Longchuan West section, covering 98 kilometers, operates at a design speed of 350 kilometers per hour. It features four stations: Meizhou West, Xingning South, Wuhu, and Longchuan West. Among these, Xingning South and Wuhu stations are newly built, while theothers are existing stations.
The launch of the Meizhou-Longchuan High-Speed Railway is a significant milestone in Guangdong’s transportation infrastructure development. It signifies a commitment to connecting different regions, facilitating economic growth, and enhancing the lives of residents through improved connectivity and travel experiences.
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