Supporting the Hong Kong Government’s long-term strategic planning and development for the city, the MTR Corporation is taking forward a series of new railway projects to enhance Hong Kong’s railway network, as well as to connect and build communities.
Carl Devlin, Capital Works Director of MTR Corporation provided progress updates on the respective new railway projects, including the major civil works commencing progressively this year and relevant planning and project management measures to lay a solid foundation to get well prepared for the construction peak in the next few years.
After statutory approvals, the Tung Chung Line Extension, Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line*, Tuen Mun South Extension and Oyster Bay Station have commenced construction progressively since mid-2023.
The major construction works for Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line* are also expected to commence within this year and relevant preparation works have already commenced.
Planning and design works for other projects are getting underway. The major construction works for this year include:
• Oyster Bay Station cable diversion and piling works;
• Tung Chung Line Extension turnout installation and track diversion, and tunnel boring works;
• Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line* bulk excavation;
• Tuen Mun South Extension piling and foundation works along Tuen Mun River, and
• Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line* removal of viaduct parapet walls before main works commencement.
“2024 marks a significant year for railway network extension with major civil works commencing progressively for various projects,” Devlin said.
“Pushing forward the new railway projects as scheduled and maintaining safe and reliable train operations at the same time is the primary objective of the Capital Works Team. The team is leveraging our extensive experience and striving for excellence to maintain our robust and comprehensive project management on projects delivery.”
Devlin also supplemented that the majority of new railway projects involve construction works on operating railway lines.
The works include the extension and construction of new tracks and construction of new stations, which increase the complexity and challenges of the works.
In addition, the team has to make good use of the “Golden Two Hours” working window during non-traffic hours and maintain close coordination with the operations maintenance team to avoid impacting on routine railway maintenance.
To facilitate multiple works for new railway projects taking place on existing railway sections, the project team commenced its preparations at an early stage with prudent planning, cautious risk management, and meticulous working procedures in order to push forward the projects.
New and innovative ideas, technologies, and techniques are also being introduced to enhance the quality and efficiency of the works. These measures include adjusting and allocating the works procedures flexibly to maximise working hours, commencing the preparation works in a timely manner, as well as formulating appropriate works plans by incorporating innovative technologies tailored to specific project features.
Supporting the blueprint for Hong Kong ‘s development, the new railway projects will enhance the development of new communities and the connectivity of existing communities upon completion.
These projects are also expected to provide more than 20,000 railway construction and related job opportunities. With the vision of ‘Go Beyond Boundaries’ for the new railway projects, the Corporation will take forward respective projects progressively, bolstering the city’s long-term and sustainable development.
Note: *Station names are working titles only.
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