The Pearl River Delta Metropolitan Region Intercity Railway System (Chinese: 珠江三角洲地區城際軌道交通, abbreviated as PRDIR) is a regional higher-speed rail and suburban rail network being gradually constructed in the Pearl River Delta (Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area), People's Republic of China. The project's goal is to have every major urban center in the Greater Bay Area to be within one-hour travel by rail to Guangzhou.[1] On March 16, 2005, the State Council approved plans for a regional high-speed commuter rail network for the Jingjinji, Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta. According to the plan, by 2020, the network will have a total route mileage of about 600 kilometres (370 mi).[2][3] In September 2009, the plan was expanded to 1,478 km (918 mi) of routes split up into 23 lines. In the long term vision network length will reach 1,890 km (1,170 mi) by 2030. By then the network will provide basic coverage to the Pearl River Delta region. The Suishen ICR, Guanhui ICR and Guangfozhao ICR accept Alipay, avoiding the need to purchase tickets in advance.[4]
The Guangzhou–Zhuhai Intercity Railway or Guangzhu Intercity Railway is a 116 km dedicated, grade-separated passenger railway linking New Guangzhou Station in Panyu, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai Airport in Zhuhai, via Shunde, Zhongshan and Jiangmen. Operation began in 2011.
The Guangzhou–Shenzhen Intercity Railway, also known as the Suishen Intercity Railway (Chinese: 穗深城际铁路; pinyin: Suì-Shēn Chéngjì Tiělù)[7] is a 97-kilometre (60 mi) regional rapid railway line that runs roughly along the east bank of the Pearl River connecting the major cities of Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Shenzhen. It will use CRH6 EMUs[8] with a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).[7][9] Operation began on 15 December 2019.[7][10]
The Guanghui Intercity Railway or Guanghui Urban Railway is a 24 station, 139.8 km long, regional rapid railway line that connects Guangzhou to Huizhou.[12] The line was originally planned to use subway type cars with Siemens technology.[13] However it was plans changed partway through construction to use 8 car CRH6 EMUs capable of running up to 200 km/h (120 mph).[14] The line started construction in 2009[15] and was expected to open in late 2013.[14] Construction was completed in June 2013 and test runs began in 2014, but the first segment of the line, from Xiaojinkou-Changping East did not open until 30 March 2016.[16] On 23 January 2024, operation of Guanghui ICR has transferred from CR Guangzhou to Guangdong Intercity company.[17]
The Guangzhao Intercity Railway or Fozhao Urban Railway is a 16 station long regional rapid railway line. It connects Guangzhou to Zhaoqing, via Foshan.[18] Operation began on 30 March 2016. On 23 January 2024, operation of Guangzhao ICR has transferred from CR Guangzhou to Guangdong Intercity company.[17]
Ring service around Guangzhou, mostly making use of trackage from other Metropolitan Region Intercity Railway Lines and existing freight railways. A new section under construction, known as the Guangfo Link, is a 35 km long railway line that connects Guangzhou South Railway Station to Foshan West Railway Station. It has a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour (120 mph) and will use 6 car CRH6 EMUs capable of running up to 2.5-minute frequencies.[19] It is expected to start construction in late 2012 and completed in 2016 or 2017.[20][21]
In 2020, with the near completion of the initial batch of lines, the National Development and Reform Commission approved an additional 775 km of intercity railway projects. A number of them will start construction before 2022.[22][23][needs update]
Stations that are proposed, under planning or under construction are shown in italics. English names of these stations are not yet confirmed. Stations that have suspended operations are shown in gray.
CR Guangzhou Group
Guangdong Intercity
