Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei among Kwun Tong Line stations to close for facility upgrades: source

A number of MTR stations on the Kwun Tong Line, including Prince Edward, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei will gradually close for a day on Sundays during the summer holidays for facility and equipment upgrades, according to sources. More details will be announced by the railway operator at 2.30 pm Wednesday.

It is understood that the work includes renewing the structural frames of the tunnels and other components, as maintenance could only be carried out once the train service had finished in the past years.

Sources said the stations will remain operational for passengers to commute using other MTR lines such as the Tsuen Wan Line and the Tuen Ma Line.

Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun said he understood that the Kwun Tong Line was one of the first MTR lines constructed and was originally an underground route.

He said some sections of the underground tunnels have high ceilings, such as the intersection between two MTR lines, making it difficult to replace and maintain related equipment. He suspected that the decision was made to renew the structural frames of the tunnel and other hardware once and for all to reduce the risk of mishaps from happening.

Tien believes another replacement will be unnecessary for a long time after the equipment update. He also noted that if only certain stations are closed for the work to be completed within a single Sunday, there will be minimal disruption to members of the public, especially when sufficient shuttle bus services are provided.