New Rail Lines on Track: MTR Corporation Updates on Hong Kong Railway Enhancements

Published on May 13, 2024

In line with the Government’s strategic vision for Hong Kong’s future, MTR Corporation is actively advancing several new railway initiatives to boost the region’s transportation network and foster community development. On May 10, 2024, Carl Devlin, the Director of Capital Works at MTR Corporation, shared updates on these initiatives, noting the commencement of significant construction activities this year, alongside meticulous planning and project management strategies to prepare for the upcoming surge in construction activities.

Since mid-2023, following regulatory approvals, several projects have been launched, including the Tung Chung Line Extension, Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line, Tuen Mun South Extension, and Oyster Bay Station. Additionally, construction is set to begin on the Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line within the year, with preliminary work already underway. Ongoing efforts include planning and design for other upcoming projects. Key construction tasks for this year are outlined as follows:

• Cable diversion and piling at Oyster Bay Station;
• Installation of turnouts, track diversion, and tunneling for the Tung Chung Line Extension;
• Bulk excavation at Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line;
• Piling and foundational work along Tuen Mun River for the Tuen Mun South Extension;
• Removal of viaduct parapet walls at Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line, preceding main construction.

“2024 marks a significant year for railway network extension with major civil works commencing progressively for various projects. Pushing forward the new railway projects as scheduled and maintaining safe and reliable train operations at the same time is the primary objective of the Capital Works Team. The team is leveraging our extensive experience and striving for excellence to maintain our robust and comprehensive project management on projects delivery, “said Mr Devlin.

Mr. Devlin highlighted that many of these new railway projects are being executed on active lines, adding layers of complexity and challenge due to the necessity to extend tracks and build new stations. To mitigate these challenges, the construction teams capitalize on a critical two-hour nightly window when trains are not in operation, ensuring seamless coordination with the operations maintenance team to minimize disruptions to regular train services.

The project teams began their preparations early, adopting careful planning and risk management strategies alongside detailed operational procedures to drive these projects forward. They are incorporating cutting-edge ideas, technologies, and methods to improve work quality and efficiency. These strategies include flexible scheduling to optimize work hours and timely initiation of preparatory tasks, combined with the adoption of innovative technologies designed for the unique demands of each project.

These new railway projects not only support Hong Kong’s development blueprint by enhancing community connectivity and creating new residential areas but are also expected to generate over 20,000 job opportunities in railway construction and related fields. With the vision of ‘Go Beyond Boundaries,’ the Corporation is committed to the phased execution of these projects, promoting sustainable, long-term growth for the city.