Construction of a large-scale integrated transportation hub started in Pudong New Area on Saturday, marking another achievement in Shanghai's development as a socialist modern international metropolis with global influence, according to official sources.

Known as the Eastern Hub, the project is based on Shanghai's East Railway Station and will combine aviation, national railway, urban railway, and metro transportation functions to facilitate the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region. It will also serve Pudong New Area's goal of playing a leading role in China's journey to fully build a modern socialist country, as well as accelerate Shanghai's building of a socialist modern international metropolis with global influence, according to the Information Office of Shanghai Municipality on its official social media account on Saturday.

The development of the hub will complete Shanghai's transportation system, enhance the city's high-quality development with improved efficiency, and better serve the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region. It will also aid in the creation of Shanghai as an international shipping hub and contribute to China's development as a transportation power, said Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai.