CRCC to build subway in Chile's Santiago by shield tunneling technology, first of this kind undertaken by Chinese firm in South America

A launching ceremony of Santiago Metro Line 7 project was officially held in Santiago, capital of Chile, on Feb. 17. China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) will undertake the construction of the first bid section of the project by using its self-developed shield tunneling technology. 

This will be the first shield tunnel subway project undretaken by a Chinese firm in South America.

As a key project of the Chilean government in recent years, the 27-kilometer-long Santiago Metro Line 7, involving total investment of 2.528 billion U.S. dollars, is designed with 19 stations, connecting seven districts of capital Santiago.
Section 1 of Santiago Metro Line 7 undertaken by CRCC is the most important tender section of the entire line. The total length of the project is 7.898 kilometers, and the main works include 6.662 kilometers of shield tunnel construction, 7 island stations, and shafts. 

Upon completion, it will only take 43 minutes for the entire line to run, which can shorten the travel time between the two ends of the line by 54 percent, and provide fast and convenient travel services for more than 1.36 million residents. The Santiago Metro Line 7 will also further improve the comprehensive transportation system of Santiago and reduce the emission of air pollutants.