Tens of thousands of Lam Tin residents will benefit from a proposed addition to the East Kowloon Smart and Green Mass Transit System, as the government plans to include a Lam Tin North station in its latest route adjustment.
The Highways Department submitted updated plans to the Kwun Tong District Council on Tuesday, outlining a nine-stop, seven-kilometer elevated and underground transit line.
The system will run on a dedicated route, including 6km of elevated tracks and 1km of tunnels, connecting neighborhoods such as Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin North.
The revised alignment modifies the tunnel section between Ma Yau Tong and Yau Tong East, converting part of it into an elevated structure to accommodate new station construction on the hillside along Pik Wan Road.
The addition of Lam Tin North follows requests from local legislators and community leaders.
Other optimizations include relocating the proposed Shun On station closer to United Christian Hospital on Shun On Road and adding covered walkways to improve access for patients and visitors.
These pedestrian links will connect with existing covered pathways under construction along Sau Mau Ping Road.
The Ma Yau Tong station will also feature enhanced pedestrian connections to Po Tat Estate and the Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Bus Interchange, improving transit options for residents.
While some community members pushed for extending the line to Tsz Wan Shan, the Highways Department said future northwest expansion remains possible, with design provisions allowing for later extensions.
(government document) the latest plan of East Kowloon Smart and Green Mass Transit System
Officials aim to complete statutory procedures and tender the project by 2026, awarding the contract in 2027, with an expected launch by 2033.
The full East Kowloon line will include nine stations: Choi Hung East, Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong, Lam Tin North and Yau Tong East.
Stations will be built in high-traffic areas with easy access, featuring elevators, escalators and barrier-free facilities. Open-air designs will maximize natural ventilation and lighting to reduce energy use while ensuring passenger comfort.
Key connections include links between the proposed Sau Mau Ping and Po Tat stations and existing footbridges from the Anderson Road Quarry development. The Ma Yau Tong station will also provide pedestrian access to the quarry area, serving future residents.
An emergency rescue tunnel will be constructed on a slope near the intersection of Lei Yue Mun Road and Yau Tong Road, while a ventilation building will be installed at the five-a-side soccer pitch in Lam Tin Park.
The Kwun Tong District Council will discuss the proposal next Monday (Apr 28).
Ayra Wang
