On December 28, Phase 4 of Shenzhen Metro Line 3 successfully commenced operation and seamlessly connected with the recently renovated existing Phases 1, 2, and 3, marking the successful completion of the first signaling system renovation in Shenzhen undertaken by CASCO. On the same day, Phase 2 of Shenzhen Metro Line 11, in which CASCO also participated, smoothly opened, presenting a double gift to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the operation of Shenzhen Metro.
Shenzhen Metro Line 3, as a vital link connecting Longgang, Luohu, and Futian districts, has seen a daily passenger flow of over 800,000 since its opening in 2010, making it an indispensable transportation artery between Shenzhen's eastern region and central area. After 14 years of service, the signaling system equipment gradually aged, with core devices becoming obsolete and failure rates increasing annually. Facing this challenge, Shenzhen Metro and CASCO jointly initiated the signaling system renovation project to ensure operation safety, enhance operation efficiency, and lay the foundation for the smooth progress of Phase 4.
CASCO provided domestically developed and fully autonomous CBTC signaling system for the renovation to replace the old system. The new system not only adopts fully electronic interlocking system, which reduces the number of indoor equipment and lowers the difficulty and risk of the renovation, but also introduces centralized system architecture. By setting up a centralized control room at Henggang Depot, it significantly saves installation space at main line stations, and improves equipment installation efficiency and maintenance convenience.
Notably, the renovation adopted a flexible strategy of "renovation and extension simultaneously," advancing both the renovation of existing line and construction of extension line while ensuring normal operation of the existing line. With a total length of approximately 52 kilometers, the system testing work involved 98 trains, 38 stations, as well as control centers, depots, and other supporting facilities. The task was arduous, whereas the construction period was less than one and a half years. In response, CASCO team successfully withstood the pressure of the construction schedule, through efficient team collaboration, scientific optimization of testing process, and strict quality and safety control, demonstrating excellent project management capabilities and ensuring the orderly progress of the renovation project.
With the smooth switchover of the signaling system on the existing Line 3, the new system was officially launched. The average travel speed across the line increased from 36 km/h to 38 km/h, and the system capacity rose from 27 pairs per hour to 33 pairs per hour. The reliability, availability, and maintainability of the system have all been significantly improved, and the passenger travel experience has also been notably enhanced.
The successful delivery of this renovation project not only verifies CASCO's technical strength and experience accumulation in the field of urban rail overhaul and renovation but also demonstrates remarkable efficiency, setting a new benchmark in the industry with "Shenzhen speed". It establishes a new standard for the implementation of similar projects in the future.
Looking ahead, CASCO will continue to delve into technological innovation, provide even more advanced and reliable products and services for safer, more convenient, and comfortable travel experience for Shenzhen residents and contribute to the higher-quality development of Shenzhen Metro.
