Demonstrations against the extension of the maglev train line in Shanghai flared again this week, amid claims the government had revived the project after a temporary suspension last year, protesters said yesterday.
Residents who are opposed to the magnetic levitation train passing close to their homes due to health and noise concerns marched in the commercial district of Xuhui on Sunday. Some have also gathered near their residential complex several days this week.
The renewed protests came after a government agency posted the proposed new route for the line on its website late last month. There were protests against the maglev last year, but they appeared to die down after state media said the project had been temporarily suspended.
The latest demonstrations have new participants - residents in several communities affected by the new route along the Dianpu River in the western district of Minhang.
One organiser threatened daily protests until the Shanghai government addressed grievances. 'These activities will continue. The government has surreptitiously set up the project,' he said.
In May, Xinhua claimed the project had been suspended because of the public outcry. But the Shanghai government said shortly afterwards that the project was still under consultation, while the Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development firm continued demolition work along the path of the proposed track.