Shenzhen Metro's first test run on Line 1 of Phase I on Sunday was judged highly successful, Shenzhen Daily reported Monday.

At about 10:45 a.m., the first train, which was made in Hennigsdorf, Germany, left its terminal in Zhuzilin and arrived at Luohu at 12:20 a.m.

Carrying dozens of staff including three engineers from Germany as well as journalists, the train ran smoothly with the test speeds reaching 25km per hour. In another test run Sunday afternoon, the speed was increased to 40km per hour. The one-way test run extended about 14km past 10 stations. The depth of Metro tunnels ranges from three to 24 meters. When the Metro starts operating at the end of the year, the maximum speed will be 80km per hour.

Most stations on Line 1 have been completed with individual color schemes.

"The test run reached our goal as expected. We are confident of operating the Metro system as planned," said Jian Lian, deputy general manager with the Metro company.

Work on Phase I started in March 2001 and will be completed on schedule. The Metro company sent engineers and technicians to Germany for training early this year. Some engineers from the German Bombardier Transportation will stay in Shenzhen for further Metro test runs until the end of the year.

Source: Shenzhen Daily