The Shanghai magnetic-levitation train line will be extended south into Nanhui District from Pudong International Airport, according to an urban planning blueprint published on a government Website yesterday.

The high-speed line that powers trains on a bed of magnetic energy, will extend south from the airport to Lingang New City, then turn west and terminate in Fengxian District. The plan was disclosed by the Shanghai Urban Planning Administrative Bureau.

The Maglev track is part of a plan to integrate the newly developed Nanhui District with the shipping economy. Nanhui is about 27.5 kilometers from Yangshan Deep-Water Port, and the Maglev service will be a big help for residents and businesses located in the area.

Industries here will be able to tap advanced manufacturing and port logistics.

Lingang New City in Nanhui District is a township that stretches across 55.3 square kilometers and can accommodate 830,000 residents.

"The line extension will definitely be a boost for Lingang New City," said a Nanhui District official who declined to be named.

In addition to the new Maglev track, Metro Line 11 will lead directly to Lingang New City by 2012. Route planning for Metro Lines 2, 18 and 21 has also been done, according to Xu Ming with the urban planning bureau.

However, the Maglev extension plan is still in its nascent stage.

"Further studies are needed on the Maglev line," the planning document said.

An environmental impact study will have to be conducted and public opinion will be solicited.

According to the city's planning blueprint, the Maglev line will eventually link Shanghai's two airports with east Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, a connection that would cut commuting time between the two cities to 30 minutes.