The world's first disc-shaped railway station has begun trial operations with its official opening set for July 1 in Shanghai.

The newly-built Shanghai South Railway Station, started services on five passenger trains between Shanghai and Hangzhou, of neighbouring Zhejiang Province, on Sunday.

Starting next month, the new station will provide around the clock ticket sales, and 41 trains are expected to run from the station.

Officials say the opening of the South Railway Station indicates a new phase in the expansion of Shanghai's rail transportation. In particular, it will facilitate the link between Shanghai and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta and south China.

Chen Dongjie, executive deputy director of the construction project, said that with a diameter of around 300 meters, the station's dome is the largest single roof structure of its kind in the world. It covers the entire departure area of the station, which is capable of holding up to 10,000 people.

The station's roof design required a high-performance material that offered excellent light transmission and strong weather resistance, Chen said, adding that the key material of the dome is Lexan sheet.

"Lexan sheet provides stunning design elements, allowing light to illuminate the station interior and boarding platform for the enjoyment of travelers," said Frans van de Noort, Asia-Pacific General Manager for the material manufacturer, GE Plastics, Specialty Film and Sheet.

(CRI, Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2006)