The Chief Executive in Council has approved that the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) should be invited to proceed with the detailed planning and design of the Tung Chung Line (TCL) Extension project.
 
     A Government spokesman said today (April 7), "The TCL Extension project is one of the seven recommended railway schemes under the Railway Development Strategy 2014. The TCL Extension project comprises the Tung Chung West (TCW) Extension, which is a 1.3-kilometre-long extension from the existing Tung Chung Station of the TCL to a new station at the TCW area; a new intermediate station on the TCL at the Tung Chung East reclamation area; and the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel (Remaining Section), which enables the turning around of the trains for enhancing operation efficiency and train frequency. The TCL Extension mainly serves the Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) along the TCW area and the TCE area."
 
     The TCNTE is one of the important, medium-to-long term sources of land supply to meet Hong Kong's housing, economic and social needs. The TCL Extension will offer direct railway access to the TCNTE in support of the long-term, sustainable growth in population and employment opportunities in that area.
 
     The Government has invited the MTRCL to proceed with the detailed planning and design of the TCL Extension and will negotiate with the MTRCL on the funding arrangement for the project.
 
     Construction of the TCL Extension project is expected to commence in 2023. Construction of the two stations and associated railways under the TCL Extension project is expected to complete by 2029. The Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel (Remaining Section) is targeted for completion by 2032.

Ends/Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:04

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