Train operator MTR has awarded two contracts worth a total of HK$2.3 billion to buy new trains and upgrade existing rolling stock on metro lines around Hong Kong.
The agreements include the purchase of 148 new train cars and the modification of 348 cars for future operation on the East West Corridor of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL).
Jay Walder, chief executive of MTR Corporation, said: “The Shatin to Central Link is an exciting project as it will create two important rail arteries to serve Hong Kong from East to West as well as from North to South, providing even greater transport convenience for commuters and facilitating our city’s continued growth.
“We are making good progress in our construction programme and these two train contracts mean all contracts for the trains of the Shatin to Central Link have now been awarded.”
Changchun Railway Vehicles has been awarded the first HK$1.14 billion order to manufacture 14 eight-car trains, with testing and commissioning to be completed between 2017-18.
The second order, worth HK$1.18 billion, will see an Itochu-Kinki Sharyo-Kawasaki consortium build 36 new carriages and overhaul 348 existing rail vehicles from the West Rail Line, East Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line.
