Kwu Tung station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transport |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Kwu Tung, New Territories , Hong Kong |
| Products | Railway services |
| Owner | MTR Corporation |
Kwu Tung () is a future underground infill station planned on the Lok Ma Chau spur line within Hong Kong’s MTR rapid transit system. Situated near Kwu Tung in the North District of the New Territories, it is part of the initial phase of the and will serve as its eastern terminus once phase 2 is completed.[1]
As of July 2023, the estimated construction expenditure for this project stands at HK$5.9 billion.[2]
History
In 2001, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCR), which operated the East Rail line at that time, proposed constructing a spur line extending to the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint. To facilitate this, KCR secured land in Kwu Tung, positioned between Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau, intended for an underground station. Construction commenced in 2002 utilizing tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to tunnel through Kwu Tung. The station box was created underground by cut-and-cover methods, featuring running tunnels flanking an island platform.[3] When the spur line became operational in 2007, trains passed through Kwu Tung station without stopping as it remained incomplete.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name According to Arup Group, the design contractor, retaining walls and platform structures were constructed to accommodate future development and installation of platform screen doors. Presently, only the subterranean excavation for prospective platforms exists.
After the 2014 merger between MTR and KCR, the Hong Kong Government supported finalizing the station and advancing the , recommending that MTR Corporation proceed with development.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The government earmarked hectares in Kwu Tung North for urban development with a target population increase of approximately 114,300.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In 2021, MTR announced that Arup would resume its role as design contractor for phase one of the Northern Link.[1] That same year, government approval was granted to construct the station to accommodate growing transportation needs arising from the Kwu Tung North New Development Area.[4]
Official authorization for station construction was published on 11 November 2022.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Subsequently, on 8 September 2023, MTR awarded the design and construction contract to Bouygues.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name A groundbreaking ceremony followed on 29 September.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Service on the East Rail Line at Kwu Tung station is anticipated to commence in 2027.[5] Upon completion of the Northern Link in 2034, this station will emerge as a significant public transport interchange within the northern New Territories.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[5]
Layout and structure
The station incorporates island platform configurations designed for rapid installation of essential operational equipment. However, no platforms have been allocated yet for the Northern Link; therefore, additional platforms will need to be constructed to the north of this station in due course. At ground level, there are two emergency exits equipped with fire lifts and staircases, while other surfaces are covered with stone ballast.
External links
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