BEIJING: Beijing's metro system will stretch to 561 kilometres by 2020, surpassing London's underground as the longest subway system, to help ease traffic congestion, the state media reported on Monday.
According to the city's latest transportation plan, the 561 kilometres will be laid out along 19 lines knit together beneath the Chinese capital.
Unlike metro lines 1 and 2 (the loop lines), which encircle Tiananmen Square, the traditional city centre, the new lines are expected to reach major corners of the sprawling city.
Fifteen new lines will support urban areas, while the remaining four will stretch out to the suburbs, according to the plan drafted by the city's communications commission.
Zhao Hui, a researcher who helped draft the plan, said it represented a long-term vision and was subject to change. The city's Development and Reform Commission has to approve the plan, China Daily quoted him as saying.
Lines 4, 5 and 10 are expected to be operational for the 2008 Olympic Games.
