This graphic published by the MTR Corporation Limited shows the proposed Northern Link.

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government on Friday gazetted a railway scheme for the Northern Link Main Line, which will connect the East Rail Line and the Tuen Ma Line and form a railway loop linking up the New Territories with downtown Kowloon.

The Northern Link Main Line involves the construction of an approximately 10.7-kilometer railway link, connecting Kam Sheung Road Station of the Tuen Ma Line and the planned Kwu Tung Station of the East Rail Line, with three intermediate stations at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin.

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The NOL Main Line construction works will begin soon after the authorization of the scheme and are expected to be completed by 2034, according to the government.

Upon the commissioning of the NOL Main Line, the expected travel time required for the same journey by railway will be largely reduced to 12 minutes approximately.

Spokesman, HKSAR Govt

Terming the Northern Link (NOL) as the main transportation backbone of the proposed Northern Metropolis, a government spokesman said, “NOL will not only improve the existing railway connections and serve the Kwu Tung North New Development Area and the San Tin Technopole, but also unleash the development potential of the land around Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin.”

The road journey between Kam Sheung Road Station and the area in the vicinity of Kwu Tung Station currently takes about 60 to 80 minutes during rush hours. 

“Upon the commissioning of the NOL Main Line, the expected travel time required for the same journey by railway will be largely reduced to 12 minutes approximately,” added the spokesman.

The SAR government and MTR Corporation Limited – the city’s sole rail operator – have collected public views on the NOL Main Line project earlier, exchanging views with relevant rural committees and stakeholders, and organizing various publicity activities. 

As per the Railways Ordinance, members of the public may object to the railway scheme in relation to the NOL Main Line from Friday until Dec 5, 2023, if they have any. 

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As the major transport infrastructure facilitating the development of the Northern Metropolis, the government expects the Northern Link to unleash the development potential of the land along its alignment, providing fresh impetus for the long-term development of the Northwestern New Territories and Hong Kong to keep the city moving sustainably.