Construction commenced on 16.8 km-long Line 1 running north-south through city centre linking Maigaoqiao, Xinjiekuo and Xiaohang with 13 stations. Eight stations and 10.2 km of line will be underground. Due for completion in five years, but section from southern terminus at Xiaohang to Sanshanjie will open end-2000. Sept 1999.   Work started following lifting of four-year government embargo on new metro construction. Sept 1999.   Municipal funds will pay for one third of total $700 million project cost. The authorities prefer to deal with consortia and soft loans as a means for project financing. Contact Peng Changsheng, Director, Nanjing Preparatory Office of Underground Railway, No 7 Beijing XI Road, Nanjing, China 210008. November 1999.   First section now under construction through major commercial centres of city to carry 470,000 passengers/day. Visit www.xinhua.com 16/01.  Line 2 first phase feasibility report submitted for approval by municipal development planning committee. 26.6 km-long west-east subway will have 22 stations. Visit www.xinhua.com 41/01.