Core Points - The commencement of the shield tunneling phase for the Hangzhou Metro Line 18 has been officially marked by the successful launch of the "Times No. 1" shield machine [1] - The section between Times Avenue Station and Wenyin Station spans approximately 1928 meters and primarily traverses a silty clay layer with high water content [1] - The construction team has conducted geological and environmental surveys in advance to ensure safety and enhance excavation efficiency [1] - The Hangzhou Metro Line 18 is a north-south rapid transit line that is expected to significantly contribute to local economic development and improve residents' commuting convenience upon completion [1]

Group 1: Transportation Infrastructure Developments - The Hangzhou Metro Line 18, a key transportation line, has commenced construction with the launch of the "Kaitian" tunneling machine, marking the first application of a super-large rectangular tunneling machine in metro parking line construction [2] - The Hangzhou Metro Line 18 will span 48.3 kilometers with 19 stations, enhancing connectivity between the main urban area and the suburban regions of Linping and Xiaoshan, particularly filling the metro gap in areas like Wenyuan and Yiqiao [2] - The Jiaxing Nanhu Airport has successfully completed its verification flight, with plans to officially commence operations by the end of this year, following a thorough inspection of its facilities and flight procedures [3] Group 2: Railway Connectivity Enhancements - The successful completion of the Xujiashan Tunnel marks the progress of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, which is a significant project in China's medium to long-term railway network plan [4] - The Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway will cover a total length of 76.4 kilometers, connecting Ningbo East Station to Zhoushan, and will include 7 stations, facilitating high-speed rail access to the previously isolated Zhoushan region [4] - Once operational, the railway will end the historical lack of railway access in Zhoushan, providing a new travel option between Hangzhou and Zhoushan [4]