New Plans Unveiled to Build Pak Shek Kok MTR Station on East Rail Line

The Hong Kong Government is accelerating its efforts to bring the Pak Shek Kok Station to life, a new addition to the MTR East Rail Line. With an established plan, design, and statutory procedures on the fast track, construction is set to commence at the earliest date possible.

As stated in a government press release published on Nov. 1, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung shared an update. The goal is to commission the station with a target date within 2023.

This initiative was initially confirmed in the 2022 Policy Address, and the government subsequently entrusted the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) with the construction task.

Building an additional station on the existing East Rail Line presents a unique set of challenges. Construction works must be executed without disrupting the safe operation of the railway, which means that some work can only occur overnight when the trains are not in service. Moreover, given the station's proximity to residential buildings, night works must adhere to strict statutory environmental protection requirements.

To expedite the project, the MTRC is exploring the feasibility of categorizing part of the works as "advanced works" to bring the Pak Shek Kok MTR station development to fruition even sooner.

The government has also revealed some long-term plans in the pipeline. The proposed Northern Link Spur Line will be connected to the Main Line at San Tin and the new Huanggang Port in Shenzhen. This line will feature intermediate stations at Chau Tau and HKSITP in the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is working closely with Mainland authorities and the MTRC to develop plans for the Northern Link Spur Line. The goal is to commence detailed planning and design in 2024, showcasing the commitment to enhancing the Greater Bay Area's transportation infrastructure.