China Railway Shanghai Group Co announced the construction of the new Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou Railway on May 5, which means Hangzhou West Station will soon operate high-speed trains directly to Shanghai.

The Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-Speed Railway, spanning 163.8 kilometers, originates from Shanghai Hongqiao Station, passes through Suzhou in Jiangsu province, and terminates at Huzhou Station in Zhejiang province.

Designed with a speed of 350 km per hour, it features eight stations - Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Songjiang, Liantang, Suzhou South, Shengze, Huzhou Nanxun, Huzhou Dong, and Huzhou stations, with Shanghai Songjiang Station being renamed from the existing Songjiang South Station.

The project is a significant infrastructure initiative intended to help integrate the Yangtze River Delta region, enhance rail connectivity and optimize transport networks. Upon completion, it will alleviate pressure on existing routes like the Shanghai-Nanjing and Shanghai-Hangzhou railways, while optimizing the railway hub layout surrounding Shanghai.

After the railway opens, Hangzhou West Station will facilitate trains traveling through the existing Huzhou Station and the newly constructed Huzhou Dong Station, providing direct access to Shanghai Hongqiao Station.