A model of a medium-and-low-speed magnetic levitation train on display. [Photo: CFP]

The second magnetically raised railway, the S1 line, to come into commercial operation in China, will start construction in two weeks' time, connecting Beijing's eastern and western suburbs.

The S1 line will span 20 kilometers and 12 stations, running from Shimenying in the western district of Mentougou to Cishousi station in the east.

Wang Hongzhong, head of the Mentougou district government, gave details of the project ahead of Beijing's upcoming fourth southwestern regional economic development forum and said construction would begin on September 14.

He also revealed his authority would build a series of projects along the S1 line and a westward extension line of Chang'an Avenue, Beijing's major east-west road.

Since being made public in May, the proposed maglev line has sparked protests by hundreds of residents living along the route. Some signed a petition opposing the project and sent it to the departments concerned, saying they feared the maglev train would produce harmful radiation and too much noise.

However, experts who took part in the environmental evaluation of the project said it would not cause any harm as low-to-medium-speed maglev trains are pollution-free and have low-noise levels.

The construction of S1 Line will be divided into two parts. The western part will be in operation by the end of 2013 and the eastern part by 2017.