Ayra Wang
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will establish a co-location checkpoint in Shenzhen for the planned Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, with no customs facilities on the Hong Kong side, the government told a Legislative Council panel yesterday.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan told a meeting of the Panel on Transport Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways that the arrangement - allowing joint immigration clearance - aims to streamline cross-border travel.
The rail link will connect Hong Kong's Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai in Shenzhen.
Chan said authorities will invite expressions of interest later this year to assess market viability, including potential "plan-build-operate" integrated contracts.
"We want to take the market's pulse," she said, adding that the exact checkpoint location - either at Shenzhen Bay or Qianhai - is still to be decided.
While MTR has extensive experience operating Hong Kong's rail network, Chan said the government will maintain an open bidding approach, welcoming MTR's participation either independently or in partnership with other operators.
Officials are weighing whether to split planning, construction and operation into separate contracts to optimize efficiency, Chan added.
The government projects daily ridership at 290,000 to 350,000 by 2038, rising to 380,000 to 460,000 by 2046 after the rail link commerce service, with a 15-minute ride.
Construction on the Hung Shui Kiu station began in December 2024, with land formation largely completed and foundation work to follow, targeting a 2030 completion.
Meanwhile, MTR Northern Link's first phase - adding Kwu Tung station above the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Tunnel - is set for 2027, while the main line linking Kam Sheung Road and Kwu Tung station aims for a 2034 finish.
Separately, MTR announced upgrades at Ho Man Tin Station, adding two new exits by year-end, while Tai Wo Hau Station's new Exit C is expected by 2028.
The rail operator has also refurbished over 520 escalators - 40 percent of its network - and replaced eight, with plans to adjust speed at over 200 escalators to enhance safety.
MTR's heavy rail, airport express and high-speed rail networks now serve over 5 million passengers daily across 99 stations, with ongoing investments in smart mobility and station upgrades.
ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com
