Full Breakdown
MTR Corporation Prepares for Tung Chung Line Extension
3/26/2026, 1:05:51 AM
Signalling Upgrade Works Scheduled
Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation is set to conduct overnight signalling upgrade works on Sunday as part of the preparations for the partial opening of the Tung Chung line extension later this year. The project, which has an estimated capital cost of HK$19.5 billion (approximately US$2.5 billion), remains unaffected by a recent counterfeit brick scandal, with the full extension still on track for completion in 2029. Tim Leung Chi-tim, the MTR’s general manager for railway and system integration, confirmed that the upgrades will involve enhancing the automatic train supervision system (ATSS), which is crucial for real-time monitoring and train dispatching.
Project Details and Timeline
The signalling upgrades are designed to support the integration of two new stations, Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West, into the existing railway network. Leung assured that the work would be completed before the first train departs in the morning, ensuring normal operations for both the Tung Chung line and the Airport Express. He emphasized that the upgrade would facilitate centralized operational monitoring and train regulation for the new track sections. Over the past year, the MTR team has conducted more than 60 dynamic train tests to ensure system reliability.
Following the signalling upgrades, the next phase will involve demolishing parts of the existing Hong Kong-bound track and constructing sections of the Tung Chung-bound track, which is expected to commence later this year. The construction of Tung Chung East station, along with two passenger footbridges, has largely been completed, with civil engineering works finalized and electrical and mechanical installations currently underway.
Ongoing Investigations and Quality Assurance
The project faced scrutiny due to a counterfeit brick scandal, where a subcontractor reportedly used mainland Chinese-made bricks in non-load-bearing walls at the station. Investigations are ongoing, and the MTR Corporation has filed a police report regarding the use of bricks branded “Beijing YiTong” instead of the specified “YTong” bricks from a German manufacturer. Lee Ka-leung, head of the MTR’s Lantau project delivery team, stated that the corporation continues to enforce strict quality and compliance oversight, reaffirming that the project remains on schedule.
Official Statements & Responses
Tim Leung noted, “The upgrade will enable the new track section to be similarly integrated into the existing railway network with centralized operational monitoring and train regulation.” He also mentioned that the team has put in place contingency measures to minimize any unforeseen impact during the upgrade process. Lee Ka-leung added, “The relevant departments are following up on the matter seriously, and there is currently no further information to add.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the assurances from MTR Corporation officials, concerns persist regarding the counterfeit brick scandal and its potential implications for the project's integrity and safety. Critics have called for greater transparency in the investigation and oversight processes to ensure that such issues do not compromise the quality of the infrastructure.
What's Next
As the signalling upgrades are completed, the MTR Corporation will continue to monitor the integration of the new stations and track sections, with the full extension of the Tung Chung line anticipated to open in 2029.
