MTR Corporation has reviewed the completion costs of the Hong Kong’s Shatin – Central Link project reaching HKD 83 billion (USD 10.6 billion), representing a HKD 12.1 billion (USD 1.56 billion) from the original estimated of HKD 70.8 billion (USD 9 billion). This increase is less than the previously estimated increase of HKD 16.5 billion (USD 2 billion) which MTR announced in December 2017.
The company has able to reduce its estimate of the cost-to-complete from the amount estimated in December 2017 through strong cost control and in recognition of the fact that the project has continued to progress since December 2017, so that some of the risks included in the previous estimate have significantly reduced and some works contracts have been completed, allowing a greater degree of certainty in relation to costs.
Currently, the overall works of the Shatin to Central Link are 92% completed, while 99% of the works on the Tai Wai to Hung Hom section have been completed, whilst the Hung Hom to Admiralty section is 82% complete.
The Tai Wai to Hung Hom section (known as Tuen Ma Line) is expected to enter services in 2021, and the Hung Hom – Admiralty section, in 2022.
The first phase of the Tuen Ma Line, consisting of 3 stations commenced passenger service on 14 February 2020, extending the existing Ma On Shan Line to Kowloon East through a new railway tunnel underneath Lion Rock.
The Shatin to Central Link involves 17 km of tunnels and construction of 10 stations, crossing 14 densely populated districts.
The project not only involves constructing a new railway line, but also includes the improvement and construction of 11 different community facilities. The project also includes extension and modification works to the existing West Rail Line, Ma On Shan Line and East Rail Line, adding to the engineering difficulty and complexity.
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