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Emergency Preparedness in China’s Urban Rail Transit System: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Shiying Ge

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, 22 South Shaoshan Road, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Ming Shan

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, 22 South Shaoshan Road, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Zhao Zhai

    (School of Traffic & Transportation Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 960 Wanjiali Road, Changsha 410114, China)

Abstract

Urban rail transit is one of the vital lifeline projects of megacities worldwide. While it brings convenience and economic growth to the city, the construction of urban rail transit projects is often associated with safety accidents. Emergency preparedness plays a significant role in the prevention of safety accidents and emergency rescue in urban rail transit construction projects. However, the extant literature rarely looks into this topic. The aims of this study are to review the emergency preparedness of current urban rail transit construction projects in China, to summarize their key elements, to identify their advantages and limitations, and to make recommendations accordingly. To achieve these goals, this study systematically investigates the emergency preparedness documents implemented by 52 cities in mainland China; from these, five key elements of emergency preparedness are systematically reviewed: organization; monitoring and early warning; emergency response; post-disaster recovery and reconstruction; emergency support. The advantages and limitations of existing emergency preparedness are examined, and recommendations for updates to emergency preparedness are made based on the experience and knowledge of advanced economies. The findings of the study can enhance understanding among authorities and industry practitioners of emergency preparedness as it is implemented in current urban rail construction projects. It can also provide a practical reference for the improvement of emergency preparedness of urban rail transit construction projects in the future, thereby contributing to the resilience and long-term sustainability of urban rail transit systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiying Ge & Ming Shan & Zhao Zhai, 2025. "Emergency Preparedness in China’s Urban Rail Transit System: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:524-:d:1564829
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Canós, José H. & Borges, Marcos R.S. & Penadés, Ma Carmen & Gómez, Abel & Llavador, Manuel, 2013. "Improving emergency plans management with SAGA," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 80(9), pages 1868-1876.
    2. Tom Christensen & Liang Ma, 2020. "Coordination Structures and Mechanisms for Crisis Management in China: Challenges of Complexity," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 19-36, March.
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