On November 26, we heard the good news about the full operation of Harbin Metro Line 3 equipped with CASCO's CBTC signaling system; the line put into operation this time involved the new line of Southeast Semi-loop Phase II and Signaling System Phase I Renovation project, covering a total length of 24.79km and 24 stations.

Metro Line 3 is the only loop line of rail transit in Harbin, of which the Southeast Loop covers four major downtowns, including Daoli, Nangang, Xiangfang and Daowai, and more than one million residents. After put into operation, it can realize the interchange with Metro Lines 1 and 2, thus integrating the radiation of the subway operation network featuring "cross + loop", and facilitating the economic growth in Harbin.

Plan Sketch of Metro Line 3 Phase II, source: Harbin Metro Group Co., Ltd.

Difficulty is the nurse of greatness. The project schedule of CASCO in Metro Line 3 witnessed multiple rounds of local epidemic from the end of 2020 to date; despite the restricted mobility of travelers, the project team rose to the challenge by adopting a schedule of 2 shifts/24 hours, and spared no efforts to ensure functional commissioning on site through precise organization and efficient management.

Of all the difficulties and challenges in the projects, the resurgence of epidemic was occasional and unexpected, and the winter in Northeast China was inevitable and bitter. In Harbin, known as "Ice City", the winter average temperature is as low as -20℃; the conditions inside the freezing and damp tunnels were even more difficult, posing formidable challenges for the project team.

In addition, since Metro Line 3 was a renovated line subject that is constructed simultaneously with a new line, CASCO project team had to upgrade the signaling system of Phase I, in order to achieve the consistent forms and standards of signal systems of Phase I and Phase II. Given that the double terminals of the line Phase I were sandwiched in the new line, a run-through commissioning with double-terminal access became even harder. Simultaneously, to minimize the impact of the upgrade and renovation on the operation, the scheme of "continuous line operation, single-side operation, and single-side construction" was adopted during the project implementation of the line renovation Phase I, thus accelerating the completion of the project.

Faced with such challenges as reduced construction period, frequent epidemic resurgence and daunting difficulties in construction, CASCO project team, with the wisdom accumulated from their profound project experience, solved one problem after another, fulfilled their responsibility and commitment, and ensured the prompt and high-quality delivery of the project, which was highly recognized by the construction unit and the owners.

Group Photo of CASCO Project Team

CASCO's assistance in the full operation of Southeast Semi-loop of Harbin Metro Line 3 not only created a more convenient trip mode for local residents, but also provided some kind of effective solution for them to the cold weather, slippery roads, traffic congestion, long vehicle waiting time and other problems, thereby bringing more warmth to the winter travel.