1 Project Agreement Signed for MTR West Island Line
MTR Press Release, 13 July 2009

The MTR Corporation today signed the Project Agreement with the HKSAR Government for the financing, design, construction and operation of the West Island Line (WIL) Project.

The 3-km WIL is an extension of the existing MTR Island Line from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town, via two new intermediate stations at Sai Ying Pun and the University of Hong Kong. The scope of the project includes the construction of railway tunnels, three new railway stations, procurement of rolling stock and the associated essential public infrastructure works. The project cost is estimated to be HK$15.4 billion (in December 2008 prices).

“The signing of the Project Agreement signifies another key milestone for the West Island Line. Construction works will commence soon with a view to providing an efficient and reliable railway service to Western District by 2014,” said Mr C K Chow, the Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.

The West Island Line is not only a railway extension, but is also a community railway which has many features responding to the needs of the community including enhancement to a number of public facilities in the area. Upon signing of the Project Agreement, the Corporation is on track to award contracts for the first stage of construction works, including the re-provisioning works for Kennedy Town swimming pool and the David Trench Rehabilitation Centre, construction of access shafts at Hill Road and Kennedy Town Praya, and the temporary magazine as well as a site management office.

At the peak of the construction period, the project will create about 3,000 job opportunities. During the construction phase between 2009 and 2014, approximately 6,600 construction workers, professional and technical personnel will be required.