Hong Kong’s rail giant has been asked to plan an extension to the South Island line, with construction expected to be completed by 2034, after the city’s key decision-making body gave the green light to proceed with an updated design on Saturday.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau said the Executive Council had given the government approval to invite the MTR Corporation to proceed with the line’s western extension project, which was first proposed more than a decade ago.
The 7.5km (4.7-mile) mostly elevated extension will connect the Southern and Western districts of Hong Kong Island and provide a service for about 130,000 residents.
Stops along the line will include Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, Wah Kwai, Wah Fu, Cyberport, Queen Mary Hospital and HKU station.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan described the new project as the “future power line” of Southern district.
“This railway will serve two main functions upon completion, the primary one being improved transport for local passengers,” she said on her blog.
