Chongqing- Aiming to become a new city landmark in the future, Chongqing Municipality's first rail transit transit-oriented development (TOD) project at Sigongli Station has announced its TOD comprehensive development project control plan to the public recently.

Chongqing's first rail transit TOD project at Sigongli Station has announced its TOD comprehensive development project control plan to the public recently. (iChongqing file photo)

According to the Chongqing City Transportation Development and Investment Group, Chongqing will focus on constructing TOD projects in 9 rail stations, where Sigongli Station is at Chongqing Railway Transit (CRT) line 3 and line 5, in Nan’an District. 

The TOD mode of rail transit refers to the urban development mode oriented by rail transit, promoting a symbiotic relationship between dense, compact urban form and public transport use. The idea of using TOD in reducing automobile dependency and improving the sustainability of transportation activities has also gained broader support in recent years.

Taking the CRT station as the center, it is constructed with a comfortable walking distance of 10 minutes. The TOD mode of rail transit builds an intensive, compact, and functionally complex comprehensive development zone based on the main body of the rail transit project and the 600-meter radius of the surrounding stations of the station, creating a mixed functional zone integrating work, commerce, culture, shopping, entertainment, travel, and residence. 

The benefits of TOD are many. It creates agglomeration effects proven to boost a city’s competitiveness and makes public transport a more attractive and efficient option while reducing private cars' dependence and promoting shorter commutes. As a result, TOD typically translates into higher productivity and a smaller carbon footprint. Chongqing's construction of TOD projects in rail stations further reflects China's goal during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, in which it will promote green development and ensure harmony between humanity and nature.

Chongqing City Transportation Development and Investment Group will actively carry out the TOD comprehensive development project planning on other rail transit lines as well. (iChongqing file photo)

According to the plan, Chongqing City Transportation Development and Investment Group will actively carry out the TOD comprehensive development project planning and design, investment promotion, and other relevant work of rail stations, striving to push for the TOD development work of  Sigongli Station (line 3 and line 5) and Tiantangbao Station (line 2), Dashancun Station (line 3), Daxuecheng Station (Line 1) and other nine stations of surrounding land this year.

Meanwhile, relevant departments will also encourage project transfer and introduce urban integrated operators for project development and construction.