Hong Kong Rail Jobs and Construction Projects to 2031

The aim of the Hong Kong Rail Development Strategy drafted in 2014 was to provide a framework for planning the future expansion of Hong Kong’s railway network through to 2031.

It seems set to be a busy time for Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Project Managers and Planning Engineers, as projects which were proposed in the paper are now being realized.

The newly formed Capital works Division of the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR), previously known as the Projects Division, will be tasked with delivering these “community” projects over the next 10 years and beyond. Civil Engineering and rail recruitment in Hong Kong will once again flourish as construction contractor jobs as well as consultant design jobs proliferate the industry.    

The New Tung Chung Extension in Lantau, Hong Kong

Comprising 3 parts, this significant rail construction extension project will be built to better serve the existing Tung Chung community and future Tung Chung New Town with accessibility and connectivity to Hong Kong.  It comprises an extension of the Tung Chung line to a new terminal station at Tung Chung West; the new Tung Chung East station between Tung Chung and Sunny Bay; and the eastward extension of the Airport Railway overrun tunnel at Hong Kong Station. The project will represent a major geotechnical and environmental challenge. Detailed design commenced in 2020 with construction expected to start in 2023 and there is an estimated project cost of around HK$19 Billion.

Tsuen Mun Extension in the New Territories, Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s West Rail will be extended by 2.4 km and a new western terminus at Tsuen Mun South developed, the alignment of which will be above ground on a viaduct and which will also serve passengers using the Tsuen Mun Ferry Pier.  An intermediate station at “Area A16” in the vicinity of the Tsuen Mun Swimming Pool will also be developed to serve the 60,000 people who live within a 500 m catchment and also encourage property development on a large vacant lot within the area. The swimming pool will be re-provisioned as part of the project. Design commenced in 2020 and construction will start in 2023 with a target price tag of HK$11+ Billion.

The West Rail line will eventually be renamed the Tsuen Ma Line. Hong Kong construction companies will certainly be lining up to tender for a slice of this complex geotechnically challenging community project.

Northern Link (NOL), New Territories, Hong Kong

This 10.7km rail project will connect Hong Kong’s West Rail and East Rail lines. There are 2 phases. Phase 1 will see the development of a new station at Kwu Tung connecting the Lok Ma Chau spur on the East Rail line and Phase2 will see a line between Kwu Tung and the existing Kam Sheung Road station via 3 new intermediate stations. The project will create a direct route between the western and eastern new territories and provide significant economic benefit in terms of saved passenger travelling hours and support the Kwu Tong North development area which is expected to accommodate 120,000 residents and create 33,000 new jobs. The project is gathering pace as detailed design and planning has already commenced with construction planned to start in 2024. Project costs are estimated at HK$3.5 Billion for Phase 1 and HK$58.5 Billion for phase 2. 

Siu Ho Wan Depot

One explanation for Hong Kong’s chronic housing problem lies in the shortage of available land for development. Through innovative and technically challenging planning and design, the rail depot at Siu Ho Wan will be extensively “re-modelled” to provide topside development for a staggering 20,000 residential housing units. Meticulously planned enabling works are needed to maintain live rail lines during all construction phases. Design is underway and construction will commence in 2023 and progress over the next 20 years with an estimated cost of HK$35 billion.       

New Ways of Working

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR) has a clear vision for its Capital Work’s business with new ways of working including NEC4 Professional Services, DfMA; Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, extensive stakeholder engagement and a renewed focus on partnering. MTR’s digital strategy will forge ahead with BIM 3,4,5 and 6 being embedded into new projects. 

Hong Kong Rails Jobs

New rail construction projects bring a raft of challenges including an urgent need for qualified and experienced civil engineers, design managers, planning engineers and quantity surveyors.

The Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corporation MTR’s Capital Works Division is seeking to appoint a “Chief of Staff” to lead a brand-new department. This is an exceptional role and for an exceptional individual.

With the complex and critical nature of planning required for these new projects, MTR is also seeking to appoint a Chief Programming Engineer.

If you would like to discuss these or other rail related opportunities on these new exciting rail construction projects, please submit your CV with details of your circumstances and availability.