The Chief Executive in Council today authorised the Tung Chung Line Extension under the Railways Ordinance. It is expected that construction of the line extension will commence this year for completion in 2029.

The line extension comprises two sections, the Tung Chung East Section and Tung Chung West Section.

The Tung Chung East Section includes the construction of the Tung Chung East Station at the Tung Chung East reclamation area between the existing Sunny Bay and Tung Chung stations and approximately a 1.2km long railway track re-alignment for the existing Tung Chung Line. Tung Chung East Station is an above-ground station with an elevated concourse.

The Tung Chung West Section is an approximately 1.3km long westward extension from the existing railway tunnels of Tung Chung Station with the construction of the Tung Chung West Station at the west of Yat Tung Estate. Tung Chung West Station is an underground station and will become the new terminal station of the Tung Chung Line.

The Government said the Tung Chung New Town Extension in Tung Chung West and Tung Chung East areas is one of the important medium-to-long term sources of land supply in Hong Kong to meet the city’s housing, economic and social needs.

The Tung Chung Line Extension will offer direct railway access to the Tung Chung New Town Extension to support the long-term, sustainable growth in population and employment opportunities in that area. Upon the commissioning of the Tung Chung Line Extension, compared with road-based transport, the journey times from Tung Chung West Station and Tung Chung East Station to Tsim Sha Tsui or Central by railway are expected to be reduced by around 12 minutes and 21 minutes.

The Government and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) have been engaging local stakeholders, including the district councillors, Tung Chung Rural Committee members, residents' representatives, environmental groups and concerned groups on Lantau Island development in the past few years to brief and exchange views on the Tung Chung Line Extension. During the period, many local residents expressed their desire for the early implementation of the line extension.

The original and amended schemes of the Tung Chung Line Extension were gazetted on December 10, 2021, and June 24, 2022. Subsequently, the Government received some objections and, in collaboration with MTRC, has carefully studied the grounds of each objection, met the objectors to explain the railway scheme and addressed their concerns with a view to allaying their doubts. The Government has submitted the objections to the Executive Council for consideration.

The Government said the MTRC will continue to maintain close communication with the concerned local stakeholders. During the implementation of the line extension, community liaison groups comprising owners' committees, management offices and local organisations will be established.

Also, the MTRC is required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit to minimise the disturbances to the environment to acceptable levels.