Construction works for Hung Shui Kiu station, a crucial component of the mega development plan known as the Northern Metropolis, are set to begin this year and are projected to be completed by 2030. This announcement follows the authorization granted by the Executive Council yesterday.

Hung Shui Kiu station will be situated between the Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong stations on the Tuen Ma Line. It will also serve as the departure station for an 18-kilometer cross-border rail connecting the New Territories and Qianhai in Shenzhen.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau released a statement saying that the new station will offer residents of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area an alternative transportation option to the western part of the Northern Metropolis, resulting in significant time savings.

"Currently, commuting between the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and Tin Shui Wai or Siu Hong stations takes about 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours," it said. "However, once the Hung Shui Kiu station is operational, the same journey by rail is expected to take only about four minutes."

The MTR Corp initiated planning, design and preparatory work for the station's construction in October 2021. The construction scheme was officially gazetted on February 24 of the following year. However, the government subsequently received objections from various stakeholders.

In response, the government, in conjunction with MTR, meticulously reviewed each objection and held meetings with the objectors to explain the railway scheme and address their concerns. The unwithdrawn objections have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.

The government and MTR have actively engaged with relevant stakeholders, including district councilors, rural committee members and nearby residents over the past few years.

These efforts have garnered numerous positive reactions, with many local residents expressing their eagerness for the swift implementation of Hung Shui Kiu station.

The bureau also said that MTR will be required to maintain open communication with relevant stakeholders throughout the construction process and adhere to the conditions outlined in the environmental permit. These measures are aimed at minimizing disruptions to the environment to acceptable levels.

Hung Shui Kiu station is one of the railway schemes recommended for advancement under the Railway Development Strategy proposed in 2014, which seeks to enhance rail transportation as a public transport option.

The government also announced last October its plans to connect the Kau Yi Chau artificial island off Lantau with Hong Kong Island West as part of the cross-border rail project.

This will involve constructing a 30-kilometer railway from Hong Kong Island West to Hung Shui Kiu. The second stage study for this cross-border rail project is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com

Hung Shui Kiu station on track for 2030 completion