Above ground tracks on the Hong Kong MTR

Most of the Hong Kong MTR runs underground in tunnels, but there are sections of track open to the outside world. Here is a list.

Northbound train departs Lai King station on a viaduct

Island Line

Chai Wan Depot

Entirely in tunnel, except for:

  • viaduct Heng Fa Chuen to Chai Wan
  • Chai Wan depot at grade

Tsuen Wan Line

Running along a viaduct, a northbound train arrives into Kwai Fong station

Entirely in tunnel, except for:

  • viaduct Lai King to Kwai Hing
  • Tsuen Wan station and depot at grade

Kwun Tong Line

MTR Kwun Tong line train passes the Kowloon Bay Depot yard lead

Entirely in tunnel, except for:

  • viaduct Kowloon Bay to Lam Tin
  • Kowloon Bay depot at grade
  • short cutting between Lam Tin and Eastern Harbour Tunnel

Tseung Kwan O Line

Entirely in tunnel, except for:

  • LOHAS Park station at grade
  • Tseung Kwan O depot at grade

South Island Line

Entirely in tunnel, except for:

  • viaduct between Nam Fung Tunnel and Ap Lei Chau

Tung Chung Line and Airport Express

Hong Kong bound Airport Express train runs through Sunny Bay station

Entire line above ground, except for:

  • tunnel between Hong Kong and Kowloon stations
  • short tunnel at Lai King station
  • tunnel through Tsing Yi
  • tunnel at eastern end of Lantau Island
  • underground station at Tung Chung

Disneyland Resort Line

Passing a northbound train for Sunny Bay at the crossing loop

Entire line at grade except for short tunnel south of Sunny Bay station.

West Rail Line

Viaducts carrying the West Rail line

At grade after exiting the Tai Lam Tunnel in the New Territories, continues on viaduct to terminus at Tuen Mun.

East Rail Line

Set 114 soundbound under the freeway viaducts at Tung Lo Wan

Entire line at grade, on embankments or in cuttings, except for:

  • Tunnel No. 1A in Hung Hom
  • Beacon Hill Tunnel between Kowloon and the New Territories
  • Tunnels No. 5 and 5A at Tai Po Kau
  • Long twin tunnel between Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau

Ma On Shan Line

Wu Kai Sha bound train running down the middle of Tate's Cairn Highway

Entire line is either viaduct or at grade.

Further reading

The MTR之今昔 website has a full track diagram of the MTR network, including detail of where tracks are in tunnels.

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3 Responses to Above ground tracks on the Hong Kong MTR

  1. Tom says:

    Hey do you happen to know the decisions behind making at grade, above ground or underground? I assume at grade is cheapest but most obstructive, viaduct if possible (when at grade is impossible) and if not, underground is final (but most expensive) option.

  2. Pingback: 1500 V DC railway electrification in Hong Kong - Checkerboard Hill

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