Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam vows to learn lessons from problem-plagued construction of MTR’s Sha Tin to Central link

Acknowledging many challenges the link has encountered, Lam says lessons learned will ensure ‘smooth sailing for future projects’

A key segment of link stretching from Tai Wai to Hung Hom, which also comprises final section of new Tuen Ma line, is set to open on Sunday

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam takes a ride on the new Tuen Ma line on Saturday, a day before it was set to fully open. Photo: Handout

Published: 5:31pm, 26 Jun 2021Updated: 10:09pm, 26 Jun 2021

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has vowed to learn from the troubled construction of the city’s most expensive rail project, a key stretch of which is slated to open on Sunday after repeated delays and cost overruns.

At a ceremony on Saturday ahead of the full opening of the Tuen Ma line – whose Tai Wai-Hung Hom section comprises part of the HK$90.7 billion (US$11.7 billion) Sha Tin to Central link – Lam admitted the rail project had been beset by challenges over the years.

“The Hong Kong government, MTR Corporation and our construction teams have deemed every challenge a motivation for innovation. We have sought to resolve the problems facing us and also learn our lessons to ensure smooth sailing for future projects,” she said.

Sunday’s opening involves the stretch of the Tuen Ma line running from Kai Tak to Hung Hom. Photo: Handout

The chief executive also pledged to make transport infrastructure the government’s top priority in an attempt to release more land along rail lines for housing projects and improve transport connections in the city, such as the Northern link.

Plagued by shoddy work and cover-ups, the construction of the Sha Tin to Central link by railway operator the MTR Corp and its contractors has been investigated on several occasions, including through a government-appointed commission of inquiry, a probe by an expert team of officials and an auditors’ review.

The Tuen Ma line will connect existing lines via new stations to become the city’s longest rail corridor, at 56km.