Project Profile: Wuhu Rail Transit Automated Monorail

The Wuhu Rail Transit system represents a landmark in Chinese urban transportation, establishing the country’s first fully automated, driverless (GoA4) elevated monorail network. This profile details the engineering, technology, and strategic implementation of the project, which serves as a critical infrastructure backbone for the city of Wuhu, Anhui Province. The system was designed to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and provide a scalable, sustainable transit solution.

Technical Specifications

The Wuhu Rail Transit system is engineered around Alstom’s (formerly Bombardier) Innovia Monorail 300 platform. The rolling stock features a straddle-beam design with superior climbing capabilities and a tight turning radius, making it ideal for navigating dense urban environments. The network operates at Grade-of-Automation 4 (GoA4), utilizing the CITYFLO 650 Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) solution for fully automated, driverless operation. This advanced signaling system, supplied by BNS, ensures high operational efficiency, minimal headways, and enhanced safety.

Propulsion is managed by the MITRAC system, provided by Bombardier NUG Propulsion System (BNP), ensuring efficient power delivery and reliable performance. The infrastructure for Line 1 consists of 25 elevated stations across its 30.48 km route, while Line 2’s first phase includes 11 stations (10 elevated, 1 underground) over 15.73 km. The seamless integration of the Innovia trains with the custom-designed track beams, switches, power supply, and signaling systems was a critical success factor, achieved through close collaboration between civil engineering contractor CTCE Group and technology providers.

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering Automation: The project is a benchmark for GoA4 driverless technology in China’s monorail sector, demonstrating significant reductions in operational costs and improvements in service reliability and safety.
• Effective Technology Integration: Wuhu Rail Transit successfully integrated a globally recognized technology platform (Bombardier/Alstom’s Innovia) with local engineering, construction, and manufacturing capabilities (CRRC, CTCE), creating a powerful model for future projects.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility Solution: The elevated, electric-powered monorail system offers a high-capacity, low-emission transit alternative that minimizes ground-level environmental impact and directly addresses urban traffic congestion and carbon footprint goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did Wuhu Rail Transit open?

Wuhu Rail Transit Line 1 officially commenced passenger operations in November 2021. Line 2 followed, making the core network fully operational and integrated into the city’s public transport system.

Who built the Wuhu monorail?

The Wuhu monorail was a major collaborative effort. The primary construction was managed by CTCE Group, based on designs from CEC. The advanced driverless trains and systems were supplied by CRRC Puzhen Bombardier Transportation Systems (PBTS), a joint venture, with critical signaling and propulsion technology from Alstom (formerly Bombardier).