Lok Ma Chau Spur Line
| Company type | Public transport infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | August 15, 2007 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, mainland China |
| Products | Rail transport services |
The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line represents the second rail connection linking Hong Kong and mainland China, developed to alleviate passenger overcrowding at Lo Wu station. This branch diverges from the existing MTR East Rail line just north of Sheung Shui station and extends to Lok Ma Chau station, where customs and immigration checkpoints are located. The terminal station is connected by a pedestrian bridge crossing the Shenzhen River to Futian Checkpoint station on Shenzhen Metro Line 4.
The KCRC adopted a hybrid tunnel and viaduct structure: tunnels stretch from Sheung Shui to Chau Tau, followed by viaducts leading to Lok Ma Chau station. This development comprises four principal parts: tunnels, viaducts, Lok Ma Chau station, and upgrades at Sheung Shui station. Unlike much of the elevated East Rail line, this spur predominantly runs underground.
Construction commenced in January 2003 after receiving approval from the Hong Kong SAR Government on 14 June 2002. The line was inaugurated on 15 August 2007, with an opening ceremony officiated by then-Chief Secretary Henry Tang.
Lok Ma Chau station can be accessed on foot from Shenzhen or through MTR train services, buses, minibuses, or taxis from Hong Kong. The use of private cars, bicycles, and unauthorized pedestrian crossings within the border zone is prohibited. The station lies within a controlled area where only MTR tenants (including outlets like 7-Eleven) are authorized to operate commercial activities.
Kwu Tung station
Kwu Tung station is an upcoming infill station on the Lok Ma Chau spur line scheduled for completion in 2027 as part of the Northern Link initiative. Although the station box was initially built during the spur line construction, it was left unfinished.
Upon completion of the entire Northern Link in 2034, this station will function as its terminus.
Key statistics
- Length:
- Travel duration: approximately 8 minutes
- Service frequency: 5-6 trains per hour (intervals of 10–12 minutes) running between Admiralty station and Lok Ma Chau station