Hong Kong’s scandal-hit HK$99 billion Sha Tin-Central rail link could finally open next year
- MTR Corporation to begin trial run on section of line between Tai Wai and Kai Tak on Monday
- Rail operator has provisionally pencilled in first Sunday in 2020 for line to open to public
The long-awaited partial opening of Hong Kong’s scandal-hit Sha Tin-Central rail link has been tentatively set for January 5 next year, with the embattled MTR Corporation expected to kick off its trial run on Monday, the Post has learned.
A source at the rail operator said the opening of the first part of the city’s most expensive rail project – a section from Tai Wai to Kai Tak – had been provisionally pencilled in for the first Sunday of 2020.
“The top management already passed this latest information to relevant staff,” the source said.
An MTR spokeswoman also confirmed a trial run for a section of the line between Tai Wai and Kai Tak would begin on Monday, but said its opening date had yet to be decided.
“The first phase is expected to open for traffic in the first quarter of next year. The actual opening date has not been confirmed yet,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the trial run would cover tests on the railway, delivery of train service and station facilities, while staff would also conduct drills.