Xizhimen Station of Line 4 of BJMTR is located near Beijing North Railway Station and provides transfers to Line 2 and Line 13. With a daily patronage of 270,000 on weekdays, it is a major passenger hub in Beijing's rail transit network. It is reported that the structural parts of Xizhimen Station of Line 2 and Line 4 were built in the 1970s simultaneously. Due to the limitations of the early construction of the station, it was not possible to install escalators or elevators.
Since the opening of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway at Beijing North Railway Station at the end of 2019, the number of passengers entering and exiting Beijing via Xizhimen Station and transferring from Line 13 at Qinghe Station has been increasing. At Xizhimen Station, more than half of the passengers carry large luggage with them. In order to provide a more convenient travel environment for passengers, from August 10th to August 29th, lasting for 19 days, BJMTR upgraded and renovated the stairs at Xizhimen Station on Line 4. Additional luggage ramps were installed at the stairs on the platforms and transfer passages to assist passengers carrying large luggage. Currently, these ramps have been put into use.
To further enhance the passenger travel experience, BJMTR has posted clear and distinct "Luggage Ramp" guidance signs on the platform of Xizhimen Station on Line 4, making it convenient for passengers to quickly locate the luggage ramp. Additionally, during peak hours with high passenger flows, the station has assigned staff to be on duty to ensure smooth passenger operations and provide assistance to passengers in need.
It is reported that in order to minimize the impact on passenger travel, BJMTR has carefully planned and developed a comprehensive construction plan, utilizing the time after the end of operations for the renovation work. During the construction period, the station has posted relevant notices and announcements based on of the installation of the construction barricades on site. Broadcasts are also played to remind passengers to pay attention to the construction barricades and ensure their travel safety.