Hong Kong Approves MTR's New Northern Link: Tuen Ma Line Meets East Rail Line
The Executive Council of Hong Kong has endorsed the MTR's Northern Link (NOL) Main Line project. This initiative aims to connect the Tuen Ma Line with the East Rail Line through a phased approach over two stages.
The initial phase, starting in September 2023, encompasses the building of Kwu Tung Station over the current Lok Ma Chau Spur Line of the East Rail Link.
In phase two, a 10.7-kilometer railway will link the new station to the Tuen Ma Line’s Kam Sheung Road Station. This phase will include three additional stops located at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei, and San Tin.
A Wednesday press release said Phase One is scheduled to be completed in 2027 to coincide with a fresh influx of residents from the Kwu Tung North New Development Area.
The second phase is anticipated to wrap up by 2034, as most of the design and planning work has already been concluded.
"The NOL Main Line will serve as the primary transport artery for the Northern Metropolis, unlocking the developmental capabilities of the areas alongside the rail," stated a representative from the government.
When the NOL Main Line becomes operational, the anticipated travel time between [Kam Sheung Road] Station and [Kwu Tung] Station is projected to decrease significantly from the present 60 to 80 minutes during peak times to around 12 minutes.
The public reaction has largely been positive, according to what the press release stated.
In 2021, the Conservancy Association cautioned that the development of the line might harm local wetlands and impact the Sha Po marsh along with farmland in Shek Wu Wai.
The environmental organization warned that kingfishers, small herons, widespread shorebirds, and an endangered damselfly species could be vulnerable. according to the Young Post.
The MTR Corporation (MTRC) stated that it would suggest mitigation strategies if necessary; however, the NGO encouraged it not to adopt the past approach of establishing artificial wetlands instead of protecting natural environments.
According to a government statement In 2023, the anticipated construction cost for Kwu Tung Station is approximately HK$5.9 billion, which is roughly 70 percent higher compared to the estimate from 2021. estimate .
The second phase of the Northern Link is anticipated to cost around HK$58.5 billion.
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