Chongqing - A recent upgrade at Zhengjia Yuanzi Station of Chongqing Rail Transit (CRT) Line 3 has greatly improved commuting for local residents. The new walkway and escalators, which began trial operations this month, have cut walking times in the Jinzi Mountain area, providing faster access to the metro.

On December 11, the Zhengjia Yuanzi Station Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Project in Chongqing Yubei District connects a 30-meter-high cliff and the main road with a new walkway and escalator, reducing the walking distance by approximately 550 meters for commuters. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui and intern Zhu Yue, Visual Chongqing)

Ms. Hua, a resident of the Jinzi Mountain community in Yubei District, praised the facilities, noting that her once lengthy walk to the station now takes under 10 minutes. “The new pathway and escalator have made my commute much easier,” she said.

The Zhengjia Yuanzi Station upgrade, which began with the removal of overgrown weeds from an abandoned hillside, was driven by local demand for better metro access. The area previously lacked direct pedestrian pathways, forcing residents, particularly the elderly or those carrying heavy items, to navigate steep slopes. Local authorities recognized the need for action to improve mobility in the area.

“We leveraged the 30-meter height difference between the community and the main road to build a new walkway and install an escalator, cutting the walking distance by 550 meters and benefiting 5,000 residents,” said He Yuanqing, an official from Yubei District.

The covered walkway and escalator directly connect the Jinzi Mountain community to Zhengjia Yuanzi Station. Landscaping efforts have improved the surrounding hillside, creating a cleaner and more pleasant environment.

This project is part of Chongqing’s “Downtown Metro Station Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement” initiative, launched in 2021. Its goal is to enhance access to metro stations and improve residents' overall commuting experience.

Citywide pedestrian accessibility improvements

Chongqing’s metro accessibility initiative aims to create a more efficient, comfortable, and accessible walking system around metro stations. Since 2021, 60 stations have undergone upgrades, including new pedestrian paths, repairs, and the addition of elevators and escalators, improving access to key urban areas such as residential neighborhoods, business districts, hospitals, and schools.

“We tailor improvements to each station’s unique needs, ensuring direct and convenient access to enhance commuting efficiency,” said a Chongqing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development spokesperson.

On December 11, residents walk along the newly added pathway as part of the Zhengjia Yuanzi Station Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Project in Chongqing Yubei District. (Photo/Zhang Jinhui and intern Zhu Yue, Visual Chongqing)

Once the 60 projects planned from 2021 to 2023 are completed, nearly one million residents will benefit, saving an estimated 34,000 hours of commute time daily. In 2024, 15 more stations were scheduled for upgrades, and 13 have already been completed.

The improvements at Zhengjia Yuanzi Station exemplify Chongqing’s commitment to enhancing urban transportation, providing smoother commutes and better connectivity for its residents.

(Liao Xuemei, Zhang Jinhui, reporters from Chongqing Daily, and Zhu Yue, an intern from Chongqing Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)