Hong Kong smart and green mass transit system on track with HK$262.5 million deal

Highways Department signs consultancy agreement with Arup-AIS Joint Venture consortium, expects to invite tenders for construction in 2026

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Traffic congestion at the Kwun Tong Bypass. The Highways Department said trains in the new transport system were likely to be driverless. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:19pm, 22 Jul 2024Updated: 7:32pm, 22 Jul 2024

The Hong Kong government has signed a HK$262.5 million (US$33.6 million) deal with a consortium to plan and design a smart and green mass transit system in the city, pressing ahead with a project that has been discussed for nearly a decade.

The Highways Department said on Monday it had signed an investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement with Arup-AIS Joint Venture for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon.

The joint venture includes Arup & Partners Hong Kong, Asia Infrastructure Solutions, local financial consultant Knight Frank Petty, planning consultant KTA Planning, and mainland China-based engineering design consultant China Design Group, as well as professionals from various sectors.

The team would promptly proceed with the planning, investigation and design work for the project, a department spokesman said.

Initiated in 2014 by the government, the project is expected to invite tenders for construction in 2026, with the contract awarded in 2027 and the project completed by 2033 or sooner, he added.

The government had earlier estimated it would cost HK$262.5 million to conduct the necessary investigation, design and site work, and the Legislative Council approved its funding application this month.