A feasibility report about construction of a third subway line in Shenzhen, a boomtown facing Hong Kong across a river, has passed appraisal of a state-level panel of specialists.

That was announced by the communications bureau of Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, on Monday.

The 32.983-km projected subway, with a budget of 10.9 billion yuan (about 1.34 billion US dollars), will proceed from Hongling Middle Road in Luohu District and end at Longxing Street Station in Longgang District, according to a relevant source.

The new subway line will consist mainly of an underground line, with a length of 8.533 km, and 21.727-km-long light track built on elevated bridges. Its construction will begin late this year and be completed in 2009.

Preparatory work for the new subway has started, according to the source.

Shenzhen is one of China's five special economic zones. It has been turned into a leading player of foreign trade in the country.

Source: Xinhua