Hong Kong high-speed rail line completes trial operations successfully
Posted: 22 August 2018 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
A ‘safe and sound’ confirmation received from the Hong Kong Government signifies the required statutory inspections and testing have been completed.
MTR Corporation has welcomed the announcement by the Hong Kong Government that the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway has completed trial operations smoothly and is now confirmed ready for passenger use.
As Project Manager, MTR Corporation has been involved in the planning, design and construction of the complex project for over a decade, with the new route expected to open to the public in September 2018.
Jeremy Long, CEO, European Business, MTR Corporation, said: “This announcement brings high-speed travel, which will link Hong Kong to the 25,000km of high-speed rail in the Mainland, one step closer. MTR has already gained valuable experience from the development and shadow operator phases of this project and we look forward to deploying this knowledge in other projects here in Europe.”
MTR had previously submitted approved design drawings, test results and quality control records to relevant government departments on topics ranging from signalling and communications to trackwork, rolling stock and overhead lines, as well as the safety of West Kowloon station. More than 700 personnel are currently working on the final preparations for the high-speed railway.
As West Kowloon station prepares to open, MTR will host public open days at the station on 1-2 September, allowing members of the community to familiarise themselves with the new facilities and gain a better understanding of the new service through photo and game booths, which will introduce key features and benefits of the high-speed rail network.
Simon Tang, General Manager – Express Rail Link of MTR Corporation, said: “Safety and quality have been our top priorities during the design and construction of this railway project and we overcame many challenges to bring the new rail link to fruition. For the final weeks leading up to the service commencement of the high-speed railway, we will continue to work hand in hand with the operational team to ensure a smooth opening in September 2018.”
NEW REPORT FROM GLOBAL RAILWAY REVIEW: Track Insight – Track Maintenance | Transforming Track Maintenance Through Technology
Our latest expert-led Track Insight explores how industry leaders are revolutionising the future of track maintenance through cutting-edge innovation and real-world strategies.
From automation and robotics now streamlining inspections and repairs, to predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors and advanced analytics, the rail sector is entering a new era of precision and efficiency. Companies like Goldschmidt, Bentley Systems, and MxV Rail are leading the charge, redefining how infrastructure is managed with AI, machine learning, and digital twins to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
In this new data-rich landscape, organisations such as Amtrak and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are demonstrating how to turn vast streams of information—from track geometry to environmental monitoring into actionable intelligence for safer, smarter networks.
Download this insightful, practical guide for FREE and see how your operations can evolve – READ FOR FREE NOW!
Related topics
High-Speed Rail, Infrastructure Developments, Route Development
