MTR - Future Expansions

Future Expansions

Several future projects on the MTR have been put forward by MTRCL to the Hong Kong Government, some already have been under construction. The network was significantly expanded after the merger of MTRCL with the government-owned KCRC. A non-binding Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the eleventh of April 2006 to grant MTRCL operation of the existing KCR network with a service concession of 50 years. The new Sha Tin to Central Link that was originally awarded to KCRC is also to be operated by MTRCL.

Provisions are made to upgrade the existing infrastructure of the MTR. New subway links to the stations are also being made for better access. A further proposal to extend the existing Kwun Tong Line to Whampoa Garden, together in a tie-up with the Sha Tin to Central Link expansion have been made in April 2006. In March 2008, the MTR Corporation welcomes the Government's decision for the Corporation to proceed with further planning and design for the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the Shatin to Central Link. The construction of the Kwun Tong Line Extension and the section from Shatin to Hung Hom is expected to be completed in 2015, the section from Hung Hom to Central is expected to be completed in 2019.

The West Island Line and South Island Line, first put forward to the government by MTRCL on 21 January 2003, only received approval on 30 June 2005 after its heavily modified fourth proposal. This consisted of the West Island Line which is an extension of the Island Line to Kennedy Town, the South Island Line (East section) from Admiralty to Ap Lei Chau and the South Island Line (West section) that connects the previous two lines. The construction of the West Island Line started on 10 August 2009 and will finish in 2014. The South Island Line (East section) is expected to finish in 2015.

One more line is being proposed to connect the West Rail Line and the East Rail Line. The Northern Link will be a new line which connects West Rail Line with the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line of East Rail Line.