Construction on the first batch of 205 new projects for 2024 began in Shenzhen yesterday, which mainly involves the science and technology sector, industries, infrastructure, and people’s well-being.

A ceremony was held yesterday to inaugurate the projects, attended by top city leaders.

Among the total, 82 projects are located in Bao’an District, with a total investment of 81.96 billion yuan (US$11.48 billion), and 24 are in Longhua District, involving a total investment of 27.4 billion yuan.

One of the key projects is the long-anticipated Phase I of Metro Line 22. The 40-billion-yuan project will start from Shangsha Station in Futian District, passing through Longgang District, and terminate at Liguang Station in Longhua District, with provisions for a northward extension to Dongguan.

The entire route spans 34.7 kilometers, with 21 stations (including 13 transfer stations).

The line will interconnect a large number of key areas, such as the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, Xiangmihu, Meilin and Caitian areas, Banxuegang Science and Technology City in Longgang District, and Luhu Science and Technology Cultural Area and Guanlan Culture Town in Longhua.

Upon Line 22’s completion, passengers from Futian can reach Guanlan in 45 minutes and the border area with Dongguan within 60 minutes.

Shenzhen plans to build 13 Metro lines running 226.8 kilometers in the Phase V construction period between 2023 and 2028, according to the city’s development and reform commission.

With the opening of Metro Line 8 extension last month, the total mileage of the city’s urban rail network has reached 567.1 kilometers.