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Three new stations - Hin Keng Station, Diamond Hill Station Extension and Kai Tak Station - under the Shatin to Central Link Project will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2020.

Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan made the announcement during a media session today, noting that the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) submitted two final reports relating to the Hung Hom Station Extension incident to the Government.

Both reports have been accepted by the Government and submitted to the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at & near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project.

The MTRC recommended in the reports a series of works and measures at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension in order to satisfy the relevant codes of practice and contract requirements.

There will be long-term monitoring of the structure upon completion of the works tentatively in late 2020 or early 2021.

Taking into account the testing and trial run, the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section can only be fully commissioned before the end of 2021.

Mr Chan said: “The Government considers it necessary to partially commission the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section so that the public can enjoy the benefits of the new railway as soon as possible.”

The Government accepted the arrangement recommended by the MTRC which involves the commissioning of the three stations.

He also announced that the section from Wu Kai Sha Station to Kai Tak Station is now officially named as Tuen Ma Line Phase 1, which is targeted for commissioning in the first quarter of 2020.

“MTRC will pay the cost associated with the Hung Hom Station Extension incident, including those relating to partial commissioning.

“The estimated cost is about $2 billion. As for the total cost for the entire Shatin to Central Link Project, the Government will seriously follow up with MTRC with a view to come up with a comprehensive solution.”