PUBLIC bidding for a feasibility study on the Shenzhen section of the planned Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link is now open, a major development for what will be a key piece of cross-border infrastructure linking Shenzhen’s Qianhai and the western area of the New Territories in Hong Kong.

Running from Hung Shui Kiu in New Territories to Qianhai, the rail will cut travel time between the two places to 15 minutes and is expected to begin operations in 2035, according to the Shenzhen Public Resources Trading Center’s official website.

The 18.1-kilometer underground line consists of a 7.3-kilometer section in Hong Kong and a 10.8-kilometer section in Shenzhen.

It will have five stations – three in Hong Kong and two in Shenzhen – and a depot in Ha Tsuen.

Starting from the Tuen Ma Line’s Hung Shui Kiu Station — now under construction and due to be completed by 2030 — the rail will pass through Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan before crossing Shenzhen Bay to link up with Qianhai via a new Shenzhen Bay Station.

The link aims to boost connectivity between Hong Kong’s planned new town, the Northern Metropolis, and Qianhai, a core area of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Corridor. It is also expected to facilitate daily travel for residents.

To enhance customs clearance efficiency, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to establish a co-location checkpoint on the Shenzhen side. This will enable commuters to complete entry and exit procedures for both cities at the same location. Both sides are due to design and build their respective facilities for the link. A single operator would then be tasked with operating the entire railway system to make it cost-effective and strengthen efficiency.      (Wei Jie)