In regards to the Shanghai-Hangzhou magnetic train project, Zhang Lijun, deputy head of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), on June 13th, said that the SEPA has received the project's environmental assessment report.

Zhang Lijun said that, the National Development and Reform Commission approved the project proposal in May 2006 and agreed on the establishment of the project. Due to the adjustment of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport's function, definition, and scale of development, Shanghai Longyang Road station in the original proposal was replaced by Hongqiao Station, indicating the future addition of a maglev line connecting to the Shanghai airport. It will be called the Shanghai extension project of the Shanghai-Hangzhou line. The line will run through the districts of Pudong, Xuhui, and Minhang. The Minhang district is a total length of 34.8-km. "The project directly impacts the wellbeing of people living along this route; thus some residents, scholars and organizations have been questioning the project," Zhang Lijun said. He also said that the SEPA will study opinions from experts and the public; make a scientific judgment according to related laws and rules; and then implement the SEPA's final decision.

By People's Daily Online