Hong Kong’s scandal-plagued Sha Tin to Central rail link set to partially open in three months as MTR Corporation resumes signalling tests
- Rail operator’s decision to restart tests raises hopes of a limited launch of the long-awaited section in September
- Shuttle service between Diamond Hill and To Kwa Wan might be achievable in that time frame, says MTR source
A partial opening of Hong Kong’s scandal-hit Sha Tin-Central rail link is expected in three months as the embattled MTR Corporation will restart train tests on the signalling system.
The rail operator announced it would resume dynamic train tests on the signalling system on the Tuen Ma line, a section of the link between Tai Wai and Hung Hom, from Monday night during non-traffic hours. The link connects several existing railway lines and has six interchange stations.
Train tests on the Ma On Shan and West Rail lines will also gradually resume.
The rail giant said the section’s signalling system passed a comprehensive safety review meaning train tests could be carried out.
Tam Kin-chiu, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Railway Trade Unions, said testing from Tai Wai to Diamond Hill paved the way for a partial opening of the HK$97.1 billion (US$12.4 billion) link in three months between the two stations.