The MTR Corporation has officially launched the Northern Link Project, marking the full-scale commencement of one of Hong Kong’s most significant rail infrastructure initiatives. The ceremony, held on 3 October 2025 at the Shui Mei Road site in Yuen Long, signalled the start of construction for the Northern Link Main Line and the detailed design phase of the Northern Link Spur Line.
The project will form the backbone of mass transport in the Northern Metropolis, connecting the East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line, while providing a new cross-boundary link to Shenzhen’s Huanggang Port.
Official inauguration
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corporation, and Dr Jacob Kam, MTR’s Chief Executive Officer, alongside Ms Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Tony Yau, Director of Highways, and Mr Wang Hui, Deputy Director General of the New Territories Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR.
Speaking at the event, Ms Mable Chan said:
“For a region to thrive, it must have nourishment. The Northern Link, officially launched today, is not only a landmark infrastructure project in the Northern Metropolis but also a transport artery connecting the population across the area, providing vital support for development. The Main Line of the Northern Link will become the public transport backbone for multiple new development zones in the Northern Metropolis… The Spur Line will connect to the new Huanggang Port, providing a convenient ‘co-location arrangement’ immigration clearance mode, linking Hong Kong and Shenzhen’s metro networks.”
Strengthening regional connectivity
Dr Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corporation, emphasised the project’s strategic significance for Hong Kong’s economic development and integration with the Greater Bay Area.
“The Northern Metropolis is a new growth engine for Hong Kong’s future economic development, and rail remains the city’s efficient and reliable public transport backbone. The Northern Link will not only greatly enhance accessibility within the Northern Metropolis but also deepen Hong Kong’s cross-boundary connections with the Mainland.”
He added:
“Among the multiple railway projects in the Northern Metropolis, construction at Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line and Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line is progressing well. The Corporation will adopt innovative technologies and efficient project management to drive the Northern Link project forward, toward the target for the synchronised opening of both the Main Line and Spur Line by no later than 2034.”
Building Hong Kong’s third cross-boundary railway link
The Northern Link is the largest of MTR’s ongoing railway projects, encompassing both domestic and cross-boundary infrastructure. The Main Line will connect the East Rail and Tuen Ma lines, while the Spur Line will extend northwards to Shenzhen’s Huanggang Port, becoming Hong Kong’s third direct cross-boundary rail connection.
Construction presents significant technical challenges due to complex geology, dense urban development and proximity to existing railway assets. MTR and the Hong Kong SAR Government are working in close collaboration to coordinate the Main Line and Spur Line works and to ensure the synchronised opening by 2034.
Progress on key works
Under the Northern Link (Part 1) Project Agreement, the Corporation is advancing major construction works, including the new Kwu Tung, Au Tau, and Kam Sheung Road stations; tunnel sections between Kwu Tung and San Tin, and Au Tau and Kam Sheung Road; and associated railway systems. The Shui Mei Road site, where the ceremony was held, will house the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch shaft, marking the start of large-scale tunnelling.
Progress at Kwu Tung Station, which forms part of the East Rail Line and the Northern Link scheme, remains on schedule. The station is expected to reach topping out in November 2025 and enter service in 2027, becoming MTR’s 100th station and serving the Kwu Tung North New Development Area.
Transforming the Northern Metropolis
When complete, the Northern Link will establish a continuous rail loop connecting the New Territories and Kowloon, providing enhanced network resilience and supporting the urban transformation of the Northern Metropolis. The project aims to facilitate cross-border mobility, economic growth and sustainable transport integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
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