The Chinese capital is going to apply German techniques in the construction of a new subway line which is expected to start soon.

A machinery company affiliated to Germany's Herrenknecch AG was awarded Friday the contract to provide major construction equipment for the Beijing Urban Construction Group in charge of the project.

The 27.7-km subway line will run from Songjiazhuang in the south to Beitaipingzhuang in the north. The subway is expected to take five years to complete and cost 11.9 billion yuan.

The line is expected to lighten traffic on the city's north-south axis along the third ring road. (Xinhua)