THE Highways Department of the Hong Kong government has awarded a joint venture led by Arup and Asia Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) a contract to provide design and construction consultancy services for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System project in East Kowloon.
According to local media, the contract is worth $HK 262.5m ($US 33.6m).
The project involves the construction of 7km line running from Choi Hung East near MTR’s Choi Hung station to Yau Tong East, near Yau Tong station on the MTR network.
There will be six intermediate stations at Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat and Ma Yau Tong. The new line will run for 6km on viaduct and 1km in tunnel, and is likely to be driverless, according to the Highways Department.
The mass transit line will connect over 300,000 residents to the MTR network and major public transport interchanges, easing traffic congestion in the area.
Arup and AIS say that this complex project will require a wide range of expertise, with the challenging terrain needing extensive site investigation work.
Multidisciplinary services to be provided by the joint venture will also include engineering design, transport planning, environmental consultancy, technical assessment, financial assessment and project management.
Arup and AIS will also assist in developing the regulatory regime for introducing “this unique system” to Hong Kong.
The joint venture includes financial consultant Knight Frank Petty, planning consultant KTA Planning, and China Design Group.
The Highways Department is expected to tender construction contracts in 2026. Contract award would take place in 2027 for the project to be completed by 2033.
“The introduction of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System marks a groundbreaking endeavour in Hong Kong,” says Mr Jason Wong, director and East Asia rail business leader at Arup.
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