Hong Kong, 31 January 2022 — MTR Corporation announced that the East Rail Line (EAL) cross-harbour extension reached another significant milestone with trial operations.
Starting from 1 February (in a non-peak period of the traffic hours and some non-traffic hours), some non-passenger EAL trains will pass through existing EAL stations. In addition, the trains will pass through the new platform at Hung Hom Station to the new Exhibition Centre Station and the future EAL terminus at Admiralty Station. These train runs are a trial for the commencement of passenger services on the EAL cross-harbour extension, targeted in June/July this year.
The trial operations is a significant project milestone, signifying readiness to extend the EAL service from Hung Hom to Hong Kong Island. Railway construction works have been substantially completed, with new trains being delivered to Hong Kong and put into service progressively. In this trial operations period, the operations team will prepare railway systems, facilities and staff to deliver a safe and reliable passenger service. The trial operations include running train services and station facilities, final train trial running, and drills and exercises. Trial operations are significant to new railway projects, enabling the operations teams to build familiarity with the railway and carry out final adjustments to the planned operating arrangements and equipment set to ensure safe and reliable passenger service.
Passengers should note that there may be minor train service changes on some sections of the EAL during the trial operations period as part of these adjustments.
“The transition to trial operations marks the final phase, not only of the new EAL extension project but also another step closer towards the completion of the whole Shatin to Central Link project. We thank the community for their understanding and support throughout the years to accomplish this mega project,” said Mr James Chow, General Manager-SCL & HSR of MTR Corporation.
“Over 900 colleagues in our operations team are gearing up to deliver excellent customer services once the EAL cross-harbour extension is commissioned. Staff training and hundreds of drills and exercises, simulating different operational scenarios, will be held to enable our colleagues to become fully conversant with the new railway systems and facilities,” said Mr Sammy Wong, Chief of Operating & Metro Segment of MTR Corporation.
With the EAL extending from Hung Hom Station to Admiralty Station via the new Exhibition Centre Station, it will become Hong Kong’s fourth cross-harbour railway line. With a total route length of around 46 km, the full EAL will allow passengers from the Northeast New Territories and Central Kowloon to reach the commercial, convention, exhibition and financial hubs in Wan Chai North and Admiralty areas in a single ride. — Construction+ Online
