The Chief Executive in Council has given approval for the Government to invite the MTR Corporation (MTRCL) to start detailed planning and design for the South Island Line (West) (SIL(W)) project. Advance construction works are expected to start in 2027.

The SIL(W) project will facilitate a “smart and green mass transit system”. It will consist of an elevated corridor and tunnel link spanning approximately 7.5km and eight stations, namely Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, Tin Wan, Wah Kwai, Wah Fu, Cyberport, Queen Mary Hospital and HKU, as well as a depot near the Cyberport Station.

Serving around 130,000 residents and connecting major facilities in the western and southern parts of Hong Kong Island, the SIL(W) project will form a transit loop with the South Island Line (East) and Island Line that will enhance network resilience.

The current journey time from Wah Fu Estate to Admiralty via Wong Chuk Hang is about 35 minutes and that from Wah Fu Estate to HKU is about 25 minutes. After the SIL(W) is commissioned journey times to these two destinations will be reduced to about 20 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively.

The link will pass through hilly terrain, with the difference in altitude between Wah Fu Estate and Aberdeen promenade being over 60m. The Transport & Logistics Bureau explained that if a heavy rail system were adopted, some sections would have to be built deep underground, which would be financially unviable.

Compared with earlier plans for an underground heavy rail scheme, the estimated construction cost of the “smart and green mass transit system” is about 40% lower and delivery has been advanced by about two years, the bureau highlighted.

The project is targeted for completion by 2034 and will support development in the area, including a planned new population intake die to the redevelopment of the Wah Fu Estate.