Changzhou Metro: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map

Changzhou’s metro rail system expansion is underway, adding six lines totaling 208km, boosting Jiangsu’s railway sector.

Changzhou Metro: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map
October 12, 2019 5:43 pm
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Project Profile: Changzhou Metro Rail System, Jiangsu

The Changzhou Metro is a multi-phase rapid transit network designed to enhance urban mobility and support economic development in Changzhou, a major city in China’s Jiangsu province. This profile details the system’s technical specifications, key contractors, and strategic objectives as it progresses towards its full 208-kilometer operational capacity.

Project Fact Sheet

AttributeDetails
Project NameChangzhou Metro (Changzhou Rail Transit)
LocationChangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
Total Planned Length208 km (across 6 lines)
Maximum Operational Speed80 km/h
Estimated CostNot publicly disclosed
Status (Nov. 2025)Lines 1 & 2 Operational; Lines 3-6 under phased construction and planning.
Key ContractorsCRRC Nanjing Puzhen (Rolling Stock), Alstom/Bombardier (Signalling & Propulsion), Saft (Battery Systems), CANNY (Escalators)

Technical Specifications

Rolling Stock and Propulsion

The network operates a fleet of Type B trains manufactured by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen. Each vehicle is equipped with an Alstom (formerly Bombardier) MITRAC propulsion and control system, optimizing energy efficiency and ensuring reliable performance. For enhanced passenger safety, the trains integrate Saft’s 84MSX180 nickel-based battery systems, which provide up to 2 kilometers of emergency traction power in the event of a primary power failure.

Signalling and Train Control

Operational efficiency and safety are governed by Alstom’s CITYFLO 650 Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) solution. This advanced signalling system enables shorter headways between trains, increasing network capacity and service frequency. The CBTC technology facilitates precise train positioning and automated operations, forming the technological backbone of the Changzhou Metro’s service.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Urban Development: The metro system is a core component of Changzhou’s strategy to manage urban growth, alleviate traffic congestion, and create a more sustainable, interconnected cityscape.
  • Advanced Technology Integration: The project leverages world-class technology, including CBTC signalling and energy-efficient propulsion systems, establishing a benchmark for modern urban rail infrastructure in the region.
  • Collaborative Project Delivery: Its successful implementation highlights an effective partnership model, combining the manufacturing capabilities of domestic firms like CRRC with the specialized technology of international suppliers such as Alstom and Saft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the full Changzhou Metro network be complete?

Lines 1 and 2 are fully operational. The subsequent phases, including Lines 3 through 6, are part of a long-term development plan. Completion dates for these future lines will be announced as construction and planning milestones are reached, with the entire 208 km network expected to be finished in the coming years.

Who is building the Changzhou Metro?

The Changzhou Metro is being developed by the Changzhou Rail Transit Development Company. Key technology and equipment suppliers include CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for the trains, Alstom (which acquired Bombardier Transportation) for the critical train control and propulsion systems, and Saft for the onboard emergency battery systems.