MTR and govt agree to two-phase Northern Link construction, completion by 2034

MTR Corporation announced on Tuesday that they have finalized an agreement with the government to complete the Northern Link (NOL) railway project in two phases, with full operation expected by 2034 at the latest.

The first phase will focus on partial construction of the Main Line alongside detailed planning for the Spur Line. The second phase will complete both lines and integrate them into a unified railway system under a further agreement. 

The Main Line comprises two terminal and interchange stations -- including Kwu Tung and Kam Sheung Road stations -- that connect the East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line respectively, as well as  three intermediate stations at San Tin, Ngau Tam Mei and Au Tau.

The Spur Line connects the interchange San Tin station to the Huanggang Port in Shenzhen via Chau Tau and The Loop stations.

In order to achieve the commissioning of both lines no later than 2034, the rail giant and the government have adopted an innovative approach in crafting the project agreement, taking the Main Line and Spur Line holistically while executing part of the project to enable works to go ahead first.

The two-part strategy enables initial work on the Main Line to begin in 2025, including the civil and structural works of two sections of the Main Line from the Kam Sheung Road Station to the intersection with the approach tunnels to Ngau Tam Mei Depot and from the San Tin Station to the Kwu Tung Station.

MTR is required to carry out the detailed planning and design of the NOL Spur Line simultaneously, including statutory procedures relating to the environmental impact assessment and railway scheme gazettal, and strive for completion as early as possible.

The second phase would be executed to finalize the arrangements for the remaining works and operation as soon as possible after completion of the relevant statutory procedures.

Being the mass transportation backbone for the Northern Metropolis, the Main Line of the Northern Link is critical to the connectivity of the area while the Spur Line will provide direct connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, extending to the Huanggang Port Area.

The project's history dates back to February 2016, when the government first invited MTR to submit proposals for the Northern Link Main Line under the ownership approach. 

After submitting initial plans in March 2017, MTR provided updates in 2018 and 2020. The project gained momentum in December 2020 when the Chief Executive in Council approved detailed planning and design work for the Main Line component.

Following years of preparation, the railway scheme received official authorization in April 2025 after being gazetted in October 2023 with subsequent amendments in May and August 2024. 

The government and MTR have been negotiating financing arrangements based on the ownership approach throughout this period.

The company pledged to provide updates as negotiations progress.