On February 26, with the issuance of the launch order, the cutterhead of the 'Zirui' dual-mode shield machine, the largest diameter of its kind in China, began to rotate slowly. Shield tunneling for the Zirui Tunnel was successfully launched, entering the section tunnel construction phase, marking a key step forward in the construction of the Chengdu Railway Hub Loop. It is understood that the project will be completed by the end of 2022. By then, Chengdu Station, Chengdu East Station, Chengdu South Station, and Chengdu West Station will be connected, enabling dual-track operation of trains on the Chengdu Railway Hub Loop and further densifying the commuter rail transit network.

　　It is understood that the Zirui Tunnel is a controlling node project of the second-line addition project from Chengdu South to Hongpailou on the West Loop of the Chengdu Hub, and is an important project for promoting railway commuter services in Chengdu. The total length of the line is 1,940 meters, including 614 meters of open-cut tunnel and 1,326 meters of shield tunnel. The Zirui Tunnel project is located in a bustling area of downtown Chengdu, passing beneath various areas such as subway stations, municipal underground pipelines, viaducts, railway lines, and rivers. The surrounding environment is complex, with strict settlement control and high engineering difficulty. Based on the geological and hydrological conditions of the Zirui Tunnel and the surrounding environment, the construction unit organized key technical research and tackled challenges, customizing the 'Zirui' earth pressure-slurry dual-mode shield machine, the largest diameter in China, which was officially rolled off the production line on December 18, 2020, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of the project.

　　A responsible person from the Chengdu Municipal Transport Bureau stated that after the completion of the Chengdu Railway Hub Loop, a 'ring-radial' commuter rail transit network will be realized, which means Chengdu will effectively add another circular subway line. 'In the future, Dujiangyan will be able to directly take commuter rail trains into Chengdu Station or even Chengdu East Station and other stations,' the person said.