The trains are due to be delivered between 2018 and 2023 and will replace the entire first-generation fleet on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, and Tseung Kwan O lines.

"This is the largest-ever order for new trains in MTR's history and it represents a critically important investment to maintain our railway service at world-class levels," says MTR CEO Mr Lincoln Leong. "Originally we had planned to replace 78 eight-car trains, which have been in service for about 30 years. But in view of the competitive tenders received and after weighing up the benefits of having a uniform fleet equipped with more up-to-date systems we decided it would be better value-for-money to exercise the option in the tender to replace all 93 first-generation trains in one go."

Passenger features on the new trains will include improved lighting systems, dynamic route maps, double-branched handrails for standing passengers, and a new design of straphanger.]

The trains are being procured as part of MTR's long-term asset renewal strategy, which also includes resignalling of a large part of the network.