Extension of Island line to Western District
| Company type | Infrastructure project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport |
| Founded | 2009-08-10 |
Area served | Western District, Hong Kong |
Key people | MTR Corporation Limited |
| Products | Railway extension (Island line) |
The Extension of the Island line to the Western District (previously known as the West Island line) represents a three-station westward expansion of Hong Kong MTR's Island line. Construction commenced on 10 August 2009, with the two stations furthest west opening on 28 December 2014, followed by Sai Ying Pun station on 29 March 2015. The inaugural train began operations at 6:00 a.m. Hong Kong time.
Early proposals
In May 2002, MTR Corporation Limited introduced plans for the West Island line, initially proposing stations at Sai Ying Pun, Belcher, and Kennedy Town. Between 2003 and 2004, the proposal evolved into a separate line designed to interchange with the Island line at either Sheung Wan or Sai Ying Pun. However, planning was put on hold on 28 May 2004.
Finalized plan
On 25 February 2005, the Legislative Council's Transport Panel examined a revised scheme submitted by MTR on 22 February. The West Island line was reconfigured as an extension of the Island line stretching from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town, while the remaining section was incorporated into the South Island line (West). This extension encompasses the following stations:
- Sheung Wan
- Sai Ying Pun
- HKU (interchange with South Island Line West)
- Kennedy Town
The project was officially gazetted in October 2007 and received authorization in March 2009. Construction began in August 2009 with a targeted completion date in 2014. The estimated cost of this extension was HK$15.4 billion.
Construction expenditure
According to a summary report for new lines, the extension of the Island Line to the Western District was projected to cost HK$15.4 billion as of December 2008. MTR sought government funding for less than half of this amount, committing to finance both the remaining construction expenses and operational costs independently.
Features
The newly added stations incorporate several enhancements aimed at elevating passenger experience. Given their considerable depth, both HKU and Sai Ying Pun stations utilize lift-only entrances equipped with multiple high-speed elevators featuring doors on both sides to efficiently manage heavy passenger traffic.
These elevators also function as emergency evacuation routes during fires, outfitted with fire shutters and pressurized air systems designed to prevent smoke ingress, thereby improving safety standards.
Additionally, new multi-functional ticket machines have been installed within station concourses. These devices combine ticket vending and value-adding capabilities through touch screen interfaces, supporting payments via cash and Octopus card for single journey tickets as well as City Saver passes.
See also
References
Government and Legislative Documents
- From Highways Department Hong Kong. Accessed 27 February 2005.
- From Panel of Transport, Legislative Council. 21 February 2005. Accessed 27 February 2005.
- From Panel of Transport, Legislative Council. 21 February 2005. Accessed 27 February 2005.
- From Panel of Transport, Legislative Council. 25 February 2005. Accessed 5 March 2005.
Media Coverage
- Yung, Chester and Chung, Danny. "Western on the MTR track." (1 July 2005). The Standard.
Official Statements
- (30 June 2005). From MTR Corporation.
- MTRCL to proceed with preparations for West Island Line. (30 June 2005). Issued by Information Services Department, Government of Hong Kong.