As the "Suiyue" shield tunneling machine reached the receiving shaft, the tunnel section between the Xiang'er shield work shaft and Ershichong Station on the Nansha-Zhongshan Intercity Railway was successfully connected on the evening of September 28.

This is the largest-diameter shield tunnel on the entire intercity railway line. Its connection signifies that Zhongshan's first self-built intercity railway with transit-style operations has achieved its first direct underground link with Guangzhou.

Serving as a vital transport artery connecting the two cities, the intercity railway spans 47.6 kilometers in total, with the Zhongshan section covering 28.5 kilometers. It includes 9 stations within Zhongshan and has a designed speed of 160 km/h. The line starts at Wanqingsha Station in Guangzhou's Nansha District and terminates at Xingzhong Station in Zhongshan.

Upon completion, the intercity railway will integrate seamlessly with Guangzhou Metro Line 18, enabling a 45-minute journey from Qijiang New Town in Zhongshan to Zhujiang New Town in Guangzhou. This integration will significantly enhance commuting efficiency and regional connectivity between the two cities.