Imagine Hong Kong’s future. That is a future of seamless connection. That future is partly being shaped right here in Hung Kiu.
Hung Kiu may seem like any other neighborhood. But it stands at the cusp of a major transformation. It is poised to become a key node in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link.
This ambitious project aims to connect Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai. It will strengthen ties between Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen innovation corridor. Think of it as a bridge. This bridge will not just span distance. It will link economies and ideas.
In 2023, Atkins secured a contract. They are supporting the second stage study of this rail link. This study is expected to be done in mid-2024. The first stage. completed in 2022, confirmed the project’s value.
The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Express Railway is not a new idea. It started with two separate rail links proposals in 2000. They were called the Deep Bay Link and the Chek Lap Kok Link. The Deep Bay Link would connect Nanshan with Hung Shui Kiu. The Chek Lap Kok Link would connect Hong Kong Airport with Tuen Mun. These initial plans were shelved. The served areas development levels did not warrant them at that time.
Shenzhen authorities had their own similar project. It was initially named the “Western Shenzhen–Hong Kong intercity railway”. In 2007, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive suggested linking the two airports by rail. Shenzhen strongly supported this.
By 2012, the projects were combined. It was renamed the “Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Express Railway”. It included three services. These are Airport Rail Link, cross-boundary spur line, and domestic spur line.
In 2019, collaboration was announced. This was between Guangdong and Hong Kong. It was about the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Western Express Railway. In 2022, the Hong Kong Government confirmed the active planning. This planning was for the rail link between Hung Shui Kiu and Qianhai. They also proposed extending the railway to HKU station. This extension would pass through Tuen Mun East, Sunny Bay, and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands.
There is even talk of competition. The construction and operation of the rail link might be open to public bidding. This could challenge the MTR Corporation’s monopoly.
As you stand here in Hung Kiu, consider the future. A future where this neighborhood is a vital link. It is a link connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It is a catalyst for growth and innovation in the Greater Bay Area. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link promises to reshape this region.