Local politicians are urging Hong Kong authorities to accelerate the tendering and construction of an elevated mass transit system in Kai Tak and contemplate extending it to East Kowloon to revitalize the area. The government had previously ruled out any extension.
According to a document presented by the Civil Engineering and Development Department to Kowloon City District Council, the government is proposing the construction of a 3.5km elevated smart mass transit system in Kai Tak, the former site of the city’s airport. The system would include five stations and have a travel time of 10 minutes.
Hong Kong to get moving on transit projects with expressions of interest in 2024
Hong Kong to get moving on transit projects with expressions of interest in 2024
The proposed system will have five stops along Shing Fung Road, passing through Kai Tak MTR station, Kai Tak Sports Park, Metro Park, and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
Although the government had initially considered extending the system to Kowloon East, it was deemed unsustainable due to high construction costs and technical constraints caused by densely developed neighboring areas.
The department stated that the system would be a cost-effective option with simple power support systems, eliminating the need for overhead cables. The project is set to go to tender in 2026 with contract approval in 2027, and will be discussed at an upcoming district council meeting.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced the revival of the project in his policy address last October, considering various transit systems like the “SkyShuttle,” “Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit,” and “Bus Rapid Transit.”
District councillor Cheung King-fan urged authorities to consider extending the route to East Kowloon in the future and plan for connections to other areas like Kwun Tong and Yau Tong.
