ConstructioNews
Vol. 35 No. 6 (07-2026)
Smart and Green Mass Transit System Projects - Kai Tak System is targeted to be commissioned in 2031
The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address to implement the smart and green mass transit system (SGMTS) projects in East Kowloon, Kai Tak and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen (HSK/HT) New Development Area (NDA) serving as light and green feeder services to nearby railway stations and major public transport interchanges in these three areas. The “Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint” promulgated by the Transport and Logistics Bureau in December 2023 also covers these three SGMTS projects.
The SGMTS is a transportation system that integrates environmentally friendly and smart technologies to enhance transport efficiency, safety and convenience. Compared to the heavy rail system, the SGMTS is a system with medium-to-low carrying capacity characterised by its energy-efficient, intelligent and convenient nature.
In mid-2024, the Government awarded consultancy agreements for SGMTS in East Kowloon, SGMTS in Kai Tak, and Road Works for SGMTS Phase 1 in HSK/HT NDA respectively. We have been carrying out investigation and design works for the respective projects in full swing with a view to completing the design scheme, technical and financial analysis, impact assessments, site investigation works and other related statutory procedures as soon as possible.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon
The northern areas of Kwun Tong are densely populated. With the gradual population intake of the housing developments in the areas, the transport demand in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong will continue to increase. At present, residents in Kwun Tong uphill areas who wish to take the railway need to use the road-based transport feeder services to gain access to the nearby railway stations. To address the commuting needs of residents in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong, it is considered necessary to provide a feeder transit system to connect the Kwun Tong uphill areas to the existing railway network.
With a length of about 7 kilometres, the proposed Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon (SGMTS-EK) would connect the uphill areas of Kwun Tong, including Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin, and would pass through New Clear Water Bay Road, Lee On Road, Shun On Road, Sau Mau Ping Road, Po Lam Road, Lin Tak Road, Pik Wan Road, Lei Yue Mun Road, etc. The implementation of the EKGTS would provide light and green transport feeder services in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong to the nearby railway stations and major public transport interchanges, facilitating access to MTR Choi Hung Station and Yau Tong Station, thus providing convenient access and more commuting options for the public. In addition, the provision of pedestrian linkage facilities to Anderson Road area would be studied with a view to providing convenient connections in response to the commuting needs of the residents of On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate.
The scope of the Project mainly comprises the following:
(i) construction of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System of about 7 kilometres long (including viaducts of about 6 kilometres long, tunnel of about 1km long and 9 stations) from Choi Hung East near the existing MTR Choi Hung Station via Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin to Yau Tong East near the existing MTR Yau Tong Station;
(ii) construction of the depot and system-wide facilities, such as signalling system, operation control and monitoring facilities, charging facilities, passenger facilities and fare collection system, etc.;
(iii) construction of pedestrian linkage facilities, including but not limited to the connections from stations to On Tai Estate, On Tat Estate and Development of Anderson Road Quarry Site; and
(iv) associated civil, geotechnical, landscape, road and drainage works, waterworks, construction of ancillary buildings, viaducts/elevated structures with potential tunnel section, electrical and mechanical installations, reprovisioning of facilities affected by the proposed works and environmental mitigation measures.
The Government plans to invite tenders for the project in July, with a target to award the contract next year for commissioning on or before 2033.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak
The Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak is approximately 3.5 kilometres long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station respectively. It will provide a convenient feeder transport service connecting the former runway area of Kai Tak to the MTR Kai Tak Station to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area.
The Kai Tak Project is the first SGMTS to be introduced in Hong Kong. The Government launches an open tender for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak (Contract No. ED/2025/18) in end October 2025. The closing time for tenders to be received is on August 14, 2026.
Main scope of the works of Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak includes:
(i) construction of an elevated corridor (in the form of viaducts/track systems) of approximately 3.5 kilometres in length with six elevated stations and an elevated depot at Shing King Street, connecting the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station, passing through the Kai Tak Sky Garden, the Shing Fung Road Park and the Kai Tak Sports Park;
(ii) installation of system-wide facilities, including passenger carrying unit, signalling and control system, power supply/distribution system, communication facilities, fare collection system, platform gates and charging facilities;
(iii) ancillary works including civil, geotechnical, water, drainage, sewerage, utilities, landscaping, electrical and mechanical works, relocation, dismantling, demolition and re-provisioning of existing services, facilities and structures;
(iv) testing and commissioning, operation and maintenance of the System; and
(v) implementation of environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit programme
The works are scheduled to commence this year for completion and commissioning of the System in 2031. It is envisaged that a 20-year franchise will be granted to the successful tenderer by the Government to design, construct, operate and maintain the System.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas
The Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas is about 16 kilometres in length, most of which are dedicated roads, plying through the HSK/HT and Yuen Long South (YLS) NDAs. The system will adopt a green road-based mode without the need for physical rail tracks. It will be implemented in phases to cater for the traffic and transport demand of the different stages of development of the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs.
Phase 1 of the system is about 4.5 kilometres in length with seven proposed at-grade stations, with a view to tying in with the Second Phase Development of HSK/HT NDA. Phase 1 of the system will connect Nai Wai to the vicinity of the Logistics, Enterprise and Technology Quarter in HSK/HT NDA, passing through the town centre and residential area of the NDA, and connecting to MTR Tuen Ma Line Hung Shui Kiu Station, Light Rail Nai Wai Stop, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) under planning. It will provide the public with convenient feeder services to travel to various districts of Hong Kong.
Tenders for the Phase 1 of the system were invited in April 2026, with the target for commissioning in 2031 or earlier.
Road Works for Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area are scheduled to commence in January 2027 and will take about 36 months to complete. The works mainly include:-
(i) construction of a road corridor (including elevated structures) for Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 of about 4.5 kilometres in length;
(ii) construction of Smart and Green Mass Transit System stations with covers and platforms; and
(iii) ancillary works including associated civil, geotechnical, drainage, water supply and street lighting works.
The Government will continue the planning and phased implementation of the Remaining Phase of the system (including extending the Phase 1 alignment northward to the Light Rail Chung Fu Stop, as well as serving the areas along Tin Ying Road and Hung Tin Road on the eastern side of the HSK/HT NDA and the YLS NDA connecting to the Tuen Ma Line Tin Shui Wai Station) to cater for the transport demand at different development stages of the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs.
Source of Information and Pictures: Official websites of Highways Department and Civil Engineering and Development Department
The SGMTS is a transportation system that integrates environmentally friendly and smart technologies to enhance transport efficiency, safety and convenience. Compared to the heavy rail system, the SGMTS is a system with medium-to-low carrying capacity characterised by its energy-efficient, intelligent and convenient nature.
In mid-2024, the Government awarded consultancy agreements for SGMTS in East Kowloon, SGMTS in Kai Tak, and Road Works for SGMTS Phase 1 in HSK/HT NDA respectively. We have been carrying out investigation and design works for the respective projects in full swing with a view to completing the design scheme, technical and financial analysis, impact assessments, site investigation works and other related statutory procedures as soon as possible.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon
The northern areas of Kwun Tong are densely populated. With the gradual population intake of the housing developments in the areas, the transport demand in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong will continue to increase. At present, residents in Kwun Tong uphill areas who wish to take the railway need to use the road-based transport feeder services to gain access to the nearby railway stations. To address the commuting needs of residents in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong, it is considered necessary to provide a feeder transit system to connect the Kwun Tong uphill areas to the existing railway network.
With a length of about 7 kilometres, the proposed Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon (SGMTS-EK) would connect the uphill areas of Kwun Tong, including Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin, and would pass through New Clear Water Bay Road, Lee On Road, Shun On Road, Sau Mau Ping Road, Po Lam Road, Lin Tak Road, Pik Wan Road, Lei Yue Mun Road, etc. The implementation of the EKGTS would provide light and green transport feeder services in the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong to the nearby railway stations and major public transport interchanges, facilitating access to MTR Choi Hung Station and Yau Tong Station, thus providing convenient access and more commuting options for the public. In addition, the provision of pedestrian linkage facilities to Anderson Road area would be studied with a view to providing convenient connections in response to the commuting needs of the residents of On Tai Estate and On Tat Estate.
The scope of the Project mainly comprises the following:
(i) construction of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System of about 7 kilometres long (including viaducts of about 6 kilometres long, tunnel of about 1km long and 9 stations) from Choi Hung East near the existing MTR Choi Hung Station via Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin to Yau Tong East near the existing MTR Yau Tong Station;
(ii) construction of the depot and system-wide facilities, such as signalling system, operation control and monitoring facilities, charging facilities, passenger facilities and fare collection system, etc.;
(iii) construction of pedestrian linkage facilities, including but not limited to the connections from stations to On Tai Estate, On Tat Estate and Development of Anderson Road Quarry Site; and
(iv) associated civil, geotechnical, landscape, road and drainage works, waterworks, construction of ancillary buildings, viaducts/elevated structures with potential tunnel section, electrical and mechanical installations, reprovisioning of facilities affected by the proposed works and environmental mitigation measures.
The Government plans to invite tenders for the project in July, with a target to award the contract next year for commissioning on or before 2033.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak
The Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak is approximately 3.5 kilometres long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station respectively. It will provide a convenient feeder transport service connecting the former runway area of Kai Tak to the MTR Kai Tak Station to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area.
The Kai Tak Project is the first SGMTS to be introduced in Hong Kong. The Government launches an open tender for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak (Contract No. ED/2025/18) in end October 2025. The closing time for tenders to be received is on August 14, 2026.
Main scope of the works of Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak includes:
(i) construction of an elevated corridor (in the form of viaducts/track systems) of approximately 3.5 kilometres in length with six elevated stations and an elevated depot at Shing King Street, connecting the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station, passing through the Kai Tak Sky Garden, the Shing Fung Road Park and the Kai Tak Sports Park;
(ii) installation of system-wide facilities, including passenger carrying unit, signalling and control system, power supply/distribution system, communication facilities, fare collection system, platform gates and charging facilities;
(iii) ancillary works including civil, geotechnical, water, drainage, sewerage, utilities, landscaping, electrical and mechanical works, relocation, dismantling, demolition and re-provisioning of existing services, facilities and structures;
(iv) testing and commissioning, operation and maintenance of the System; and
(v) implementation of environmental mitigation measures and environmental monitoring and audit programme
The works are scheduled to commence this year for completion and commissioning of the System in 2031. It is envisaged that a 20-year franchise will be granted to the successful tenderer by the Government to design, construct, operate and maintain the System.
Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas
The Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas is about 16 kilometres in length, most of which are dedicated roads, plying through the HSK/HT and Yuen Long South (YLS) NDAs. The system will adopt a green road-based mode without the need for physical rail tracks. It will be implemented in phases to cater for the traffic and transport demand of the different stages of development of the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs.
Phase 1 of the system is about 4.5 kilometres in length with seven proposed at-grade stations, with a view to tying in with the Second Phase Development of HSK/HT NDA. Phase 1 of the system will connect Nai Wai to the vicinity of the Logistics, Enterprise and Technology Quarter in HSK/HT NDA, passing through the town centre and residential area of the NDA, and connecting to MTR Tuen Ma Line Hung Shui Kiu Station, Light Rail Nai Wai Stop, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) under planning. It will provide the public with convenient feeder services to travel to various districts of Hong Kong.
Tenders for the Phase 1 of the system were invited in April 2026, with the target for commissioning in 2031 or earlier.
Road Works for Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area are scheduled to commence in January 2027 and will take about 36 months to complete. The works mainly include:-
(i) construction of a road corridor (including elevated structures) for Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 of about 4.5 kilometres in length;
(ii) construction of Smart and Green Mass Transit System stations with covers and platforms; and
(iii) ancillary works including associated civil, geotechnical, drainage, water supply and street lighting works.
The Government will continue the planning and phased implementation of the Remaining Phase of the system (including extending the Phase 1 alignment northward to the Light Rail Chung Fu Stop, as well as serving the areas along Tin Ying Road and Hung Tin Road on the eastern side of the HSK/HT NDA and the YLS NDA connecting to the Tuen Ma Line Tin Shui Wai Station) to cater for the transport demand at different development stages of the HSK/HT and YLS NDAs.
Source of Information and Pictures: Official websites of Highways Department and Civil Engineering and Development Department