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Opened in 2022 in Chongqing, Hongyancun station is part of Line 9, surpassed Ukraine’s Arsenalna, and shows how the city’s mountainous terrain led the subway to advance 116 meters below the surface
The Hongyancun station, in Chongqing, China, reaches 116 meters below the surface, was opened in 2022 and may require up to 8 minutes of walking before boarding. But there are also train stations in Brazil that are surprisingly deep.
World’s deepest stations: Hongyancun Station is in a city built in layers
Chongqing, in southwest China, is one of the country’s largest and most unique metropolises, with an urban population exceeding 23 million inhabitants. The city stands out for its futuristic architecture built in layers on the mountains.
In this scenario, the Hongyancun station has become one of the most striking examples of the relationship between urban transport and terrain. The structure is part of Line 9 of the local subway system and has been operating since 2022.
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At 116 meters deep, the station became considered the deepest in the world. This milestone surpassed Arsenalna station in Ukraine, which previously held this position among underground stations.
Journey to the train can take 8 minutes
The depth of Hongyancun station affects passengers’ routines. Depending on the chosen route within the structure, the journey to the boarding area can take up to 8 minutes.
To reduce effort on the internal route, the station features moving walkways, escalators, and elevators. Even so, the vertical size of the work imposes an unusual experience even before entering the train.
The structure was planned with a focus on safety and efficiency. The project includes advanced ventilation systems, seismic resistance, and multiple entrances, created to improve passenger flow.
The work was born from Chongqing’s geography
The construction of Hongyancun station was not primarily aimed at setting a world record. The depth arose from the need to adapt the subway to the city’s physical conditions.
Chongqing has rugged terrain, with mountains and rivers that hinder traditional urban expansion. To overcome these barriers, the solution found was to advance intensely underground.
This characteristic helps explain why the station stands out compared to other subway structures. The project responds to a complex urban environment, marked by uneven terrain and occupation in different layers.
Brazil has a station in operation at 52 meters
In Brazil, the deepest station in operation is Santa Albina, on Line 4 of the Rio de Janeiro subway.
It reaches 52 meters below the surface, less than half the depth recorded in Chongqing.
This scenario is expected to change in the coming years. Five train stations with construction started are scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2029, expanding the presence of deep structures in the country.
São Paulo is expected to lead this list, with four stations over 60 meters deep. The largest of these will be Itaberaba/Hosp. Vila Penteado, at 65.71 meters.
Also appearing are Higenópolis/Mackenzie, at 64.86 meters, Bela Vista, at 60.86 meters, and PUC/Cardoso de Almeida, at 60.51 meters. All are above the current mark recorded in Rio.
Salvador to have 55-meter station
Brazil’s fifth deepest future station will be in Salvador. Campo Grande station will be 55 meters deep and will connect the downtown area of the Bahian capital.
Metro stretch IV will be 1.1 km long, underground in Salvador’s Historic Center. The route starts at Lapa Station and continues under Avenida Joana Angélica and Politeama.
The project has an estimated cost of R$ 1.518 billion, with funds released by the new PAC. Also in Salvador, Campo da Pólvora station is 35 meters deep.
This depth is equivalent to a 12-story building. Currently, Campo da Pólvora is the deepest operational station in the Northeast.
With information from A Tarde.
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