MTR has celebrated a major milestone in the construction of Hong Kong’s West Island Line (WIL).
Major structural works have been completed on three of the line’s new stations; Sai Ying Pun Station, HKU Station and Kennedy Town Station.
With the project now 80 per cent complete, electrical and mechanical systems will now be installed ahead of the line’s testing and commissioning next year.
Speaking following a ceremony to mark the completion of civils work, chief secretary for administration Carrie Lam said: ““A high-capacity railway is the backbone of public transport systems in densely populated cities such as Hong Kong.
“The West Island Line will be the first to be completed among the five on-going new rail projects in Hong Kong.
“Although the WIL is only 3.2 kilometre in length, it serves a very important public transport function.
“Upon completion next year, the WIL will connect the oldest business district in Hong Kong with our current business and financial centre. Not only will it alleviate road-based traffic in this area, it will also drive economic activities and community development in the Western District.”
