Following the opening of TML Phase 1, passengers travelling on the Ma On Shan Line will be able to travel to Kai Tak station in East Kowloon via Hin Keng and Diamond Hill without needing to change.
The expanded Diamond Hill station will become a new interchange between TML and the Kwun Tong Line, making it easier to travel from the north and east of the New Territories to east Kowloon and eastern Hong Kong Island. The expansion will also relieve pressure on the East Rail Line between Tai Wai and Kowloon Tong stations at peak times.
The line is part of the delayed 17km Shatin - Central link (SCL), which at $HK 97.1bn ($US 12.43bn) is Hong Kong’s most expensive metro project. The SCL is delayed following alleged poor construction and a reported cover-up of mismanaged construction work on extended platforms at Hung Hom station. In addition, 40% of documents certifying work on two approach tunnels and stabling sidings at the station disappeared.
MTR proposed a phased opening of the TML in July last year.
Ma on Shan Line trains will be used for non-passenger testing on the new section between Hin Keng and Kai Tak Stations at the end of January. Headways on the Man On Shan Line will be adjusted to 3min 30s during peak times to reflect the revised schedule when TML Phase 1 opens.
Full opening of TML is dependent on the success of work to alleviate issues at Hung Hom and its connecting structures, which is expected to take place sometime next year.
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