Shatin to Central Link

The Shatin to Central Link (SCL) is one of the priority rail projects recommended in the Railway Development Strategy 2000 (RDS-2000). It forms a new rail link between Tai Wai and the Central Business District in Hong Kong Island through the proposed new development area in South East Kowloon. The line will significantly increase the cross-harbour and Shatin-Kowloon rail capacities and also help to redistribute the flows and relieve the other railway lines in Hong Kong and Metro Kowloon.

The components and functions of the SCL are:-

• Tai Wai to Hung Hom (11km long) : Extension of Ma On Shan Line from Tai Wai to Hung Hom, via South East Kowloon and then connect to Kowloon Southern Link and West Rail Line. This railway line will significantly increase the Shatin-Kowloon capacity and provide railway service to the new developments in South East Kowloon.
• Fourth Rail Harbour Crossing (6km long) : Extension of the East Rail Line across the harbour to Hong Kong Island. This railway line will increase the cross-harbour rail capacity and enhance the connectivity between the new territories and Hong Kong Island.

There are nine stations including Tai Wai, Diamond Hill, Kai Tak, To Kwa Wan, Ma Tau Wai, Homantin, Hung Hom, Exhibition and Admiralty, one potential station at Hin Keng, as well as one depot at Diamond Hill. Travel times are 69 minutes between Tuen Mun and Wu Kai Sha and 50 minutes between Lo Wu and Admiralty.

SCL passengers can interchange between station platforms at Tai Wai and Hung Hom stations with East Rail Line, at Diamond Hill Station with the Kwun Tong Line, at Homantin Station with future Kwun Tong Line Extension, at Exhibition Station with future North Hong Kong Island Line and at Admiralty Station with the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and future South Island Line.