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Published: 22:21, May 03, 2022 | Updated: 22:26, May 03, 2022
MTR's East Rail cross-harbor extension to open on May 15
By Wang Zhan
Published:22:21, May 03, 2022 Updated:22:26, May 03, 2022 By Wang Zhan


HONG KONG – The MTR’s East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension will open on May 15, allowing commuters from the northeast New Territories to travel directly to Admiralty on the Hong Kong Island.

The East Rail Line will become Hong Kong's fourth cross-harbor rail line with the extension, which will open earlier than the target date set in June or July this year.

Hung Hom station in Kowloon and Admiralty station on the Hong Kong Island will be linked via the new Exhibition Centre station and the rail journey between the two stations will be reduced from 19 minutes to seven minutes

Hung Hom station in Kowloon and Admiralty station on the Hong Kong Island will be linked via the new Exhibition Centre station. The rail journey between the two stations will be reduced from 19 minutes to seven minutes.

READ MORE: MTR to set up smart railway R&D center in south China

When asked by reporters why the MTR is confident in opening the extension line earlier than the target date, Hong Kong Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said safety is of the utmost importance before a rail line is launched.

“First and foremost, we have to realize that for any train, new or old, should they be put into operation they must be sound and safe,” he said in a news briefing on Tuesday.

“By sound and safe, we mean that all the systems involved in the operation, including the signaling system, operating system, all electrical and mechanical services systems, the permanent way track and everything concerning it would be safe and sound.”

Hong Kong Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan (right) and Chief Executive Officer of the MTR Corporation Limited Jacob Kam announce the commissioning date of the East Rail Line cross-harbor extension, Hong Kong, May 3, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

He added that train safety must be supervised by various government departments including the Fire Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Highways Department.

ALSO READ: Task force to probe 'rare' train derailment in HK

“So the trains are under very close scrutiny and examination before they are allowed to start to operate,” he said.

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