HONG Kong operator MTR held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tung Chung Line Extension on May 25, marking the start of the main construction works for the project. The ceremony was led by the financial secretary of Hong Kong, Mr Paul Chan.

The project includes the construction of two new stations, Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West, as well as the construction of a new 2.5km line, and will serve residents of the Tung Chung new town extension at the Tung Chung East reclamation area and in Tung Chung West.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2029, and includes work on the existing Tung Chung Line. MTR will collaborate with other project parties to carry out the work on the extension while keeping the Tung Chung Line open for passengers.

“Throughout the planning, design, and construction of the Tung Chung Line Extension project and other new railway projects, the team is keen to explore and adopt new technologies in the project, as well as to include elements of sustainable development to achieve better quality and greater efficiency of works,” says MTR CEO, Mr Jacob Kam. “Despite the challenges of carrying out construction works on an operating railway line, we will work collaboratively to move the project forward and extend the railway network with the commitment to provide reliable, efficient, and low-carbon railway services to serve more Hong Kong citizens.”

Two major civil works contracts have been awarded for the Tung Chung Line Extension project. The contract for Tung Chung West station and tunnels was awarded to the Bouygues Dragages (1201) Joint Venture, which includes the construction of Tung Chung West station and a 1.3km tunnel extending from Tung Chung station to Tung Chung West station.

The contract for Tung Chung East station and associated enabling works for track diversions was awarded to the Paul Y CRCC (TUE 1202) joint venture, and includes the construction of Tung Chung East station as well as 1.2km of new route between Tung Chung station and Sunny Bay station.

Following the start of work, construction of other new MTR projects including the Tuen Mun South Extension, Kwu Tung station on the East Rail Line, and the construction of Oyster Bay station is also planned to start later this year. Statutory processes or advanced works for the Northern Link main line, Hung Shui Kiu station and the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel are also continuing.

“MTR has been actively supporting the government's strategy of using rail as the backbone of the public transport system, utilising the corporation’s professional knowledge and extensive experience in railway operations to facilitate the sustainable long-term development of Hong Kong,” says MTR chairman, Dr Rex Auyeung. “We will fully support the government to implement key infrastructure plans by continuously extending the railway network to drive development, create opportunities, and build more communities of enhanced liveability through railway extensions.”

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