The Highways Department will hold briefing sessions on July 25, August 1 and August 7 – in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, respectively – to outline details of the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (HSWRL) project and an upcoming invitation of expressions of interest in it.

A crucial initiative in implementing the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the HSWRL will run from Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai, in Shenzhen, enhancing the Greater Bay Area’s infrastructure connectivity and facilitating Hong Kong’s integration into national development.

Coupled with customs clearance co-location, the project will connect metro networks in Hong Kong’s western regions and those of Shenzhen. A trip from Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai will take only 15 minutes, approximately, helping to foster a “one-hour living circle” in the bay area and enable convenient cross-boundary commerce, work, residency, study and travel.

The project will also boost the Northern Metropolis and cater to demand for transportation in Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui, Pak Nai and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area.

The Government is undertaking preparations, including design work, for the Hong Kong section of the link. This includes statutory processes such as an environmental impact assessment and publication of plans in the Government Gazette.

The aim is to have the project ready for tendering in 2027. The shared goal of the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen is to commission the HSWRL in 2035.

Contractors, operators, consultants, railway system suppliers and rolling stock manufacturers are invited to attend the briefing sessions. The deadline for enrolment is July 18.