Project Profile: MTR Tung Chung Line Extension (TCLX)

The Tung Chung Line Extension (TCLX) is a strategic railway infrastructure project designed to expand Hong Kong’s MTR network capacity and serve the Tung Chung New Town extension on Lantau Island. This profile details the project’s core engineering specifications, construction status, and its integration into the wider urban development plan through an innovative financing model.

Technical Specifications

The TCLX project involves two distinct alignment modifications. A 1.3km westward extension from the existing Tung Chung Station will be constructed using tunnel boring methods to create the new underground Tung Chung West terminus station. Concurrently, a 1.2km section of the operational line between Sunny Bay and Tung Chung will be realigned eastward to accommodate the new elevated Tung Chung East station, which is designed with green architectural features and will serve a major reclamation and development area. A separate but crucial component is the 460m eastward extension of the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel (AREOT) from Hong Kong Station. This tunnel enhancement is critical for increasing the train stabling capacity and operational flexibility of both the Tung Chung Line and the Airport Express, ultimately improving service frequency and resilience across the network. The project is financed via a “Rail-plus-Property” model, where MTR Corporation was granted development rights for a 7.6-hectare site adjacent to Tung Chung East Station, offsetting a significant portion of the capital construction cost against the land premium.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Integration: The project is a prime example of transit-oriented development, with railway expansion directly enabling and supporting the high-density Tung Chung New Town extension, providing essential transport capacity for a growing population.
• Innovative “Rail-plus-Property” Financing: The financing model leverages future land value appreciation to fund current infrastructure costs, reducing the direct financial burden on the government and establishing a sustainable framework for future large-scale projects in Hong Kong.
• Network Capacity Enhancement: Beyond extending the line, the AREOT extension significantly boosts the core operational capacity of the entire Lantau Link rail corridor, benefiting both commuter and airport transit services by allowing for more efficient train turnarounds and stabling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Tung Chung Line Extension open?

The main line extension, including the new Tung Chung West and Tung Chung East stations, is scheduled for completion and commissioning in 2029. The associated Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel (AREOT) is a longer-term component and is expected to be completed by 2032.

Who is building the Tung Chung Line Extension?

The project is being constructed by multiple international joint ventures under the management of MTR Corporation. The primary civil works contracts were awarded to a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Dragages Hong Kong for the Tung Chung West station and tunnels, and a joint venture of Paul Y Engineering and China Railway Construction for the Tung Chung East station and track realignment.