The preliminary design of the second phase of Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway (from Taicang, Jiangsu province to Situan town in Shanghai). [Photo/jrwx.zjgonline.com.cn]

The preliminary design of Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway (Phase II) was recently approved by local authorities, local media reported on Sept 8.

The second phase, which spans 106.785 kilometers from Taicang, Jiangsu province to Situan town in Shanghai and has a designed speed of 200 km per hour, is expected to be completed in five years.

Six stations, namely Taicang, Xuhang, Shanghai Baoshan, Waigaoqiao, Shanghaidong and Situan, will be established along the railway. Two other stations, Caolu and Huinan, will be placed in reserve.

Following the opening of the railway, Zhangjiagang residents will be able to travel to Pudong New Area in Shanghai by railway in an hour. The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway will become the first rail in China that is connected to the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai.