Dongguan's much-anticipated Metro Line 1 has reached another key milestone. Local authorities recently announced the launch of structural safety monitoring across the entire line, an important step before passenger operations begin. While the technical details may sound complex, in plain terms, it means the city is making sure every tunnel, bridge, and station is safe and ready. 

On August 1, the first train departed from Daojiao depot for trial operations without passengers. These "empty runs" are a standard process before a metro opens, ensuring trains, tracks, and systems work smoothly together. This phase will last at least three months, with full testing expected to finish by late November. If everything goes as planned, Dongguan residents could ride Line 1 by the end of 2025. 

Line 1 stretches about 57.5 kilometers, with 25 stations, most of them underground. The route will link 10 towns and key areas such as Water Town New Area and Songshan Lake, two of Dongguan's fastest-growing districts. With a top speed of 120 km/h, Line 1 will not only shorten commutes across the city but also connect seamlessly with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and the regional rail network. 

The trains themselves are designed with the future in mind. They will run fully automated (driverless), use advanced air purification systems, and feature energy-efficient magnetic traction. 

For residents, this line is more than a transport project, it is a lifeline that ties Dongguan closer to the Greater Bay Area. With faster access to neighboring cities, Line 1 will play a crucial role in the GBA's "one-hour rail circle," where work, leisure, and family visits can all happen within a short train ride.