The Tuen Ma Line (TML) is formed by connecting the existing Ma On Shan Line (MOL) with the West Rail Line through the Tai Wai to Hung Hom Section (i.e. the 11 km new extension including Hin Keng Station, Diamond Hill Station Extension, Kai Tak Station, Sung Wong Toi Station, To Kwa Wan Station, Ho Man Tin Station and Hung Hom Station Extension) of the new Shatin to Central Link. As the regulatory authority of railway safety in Hong Kong, the Railways Branch of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) evaluated the design documents of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) at different stages of the project and conducted a number of on-site tests on safety-related railway systems (such as signalling and communications systems, trackwork, overhead line systems and stations) to ensure the safe operation of the new extension.
As quality problem was found in the works of the Hung Hom Station Extension in mid-2018 and an independent investigation was required, the scheduled opening date of the TML was affected. To enable the use of the new railway by members of the public as soon as possible, the MTRCL decided to open the Tai Wai to Kai Tak Section first to connect it with the MOL. This Section, which is named the TML Phase 1, links up the Wu Kai Sha Station and Kai Tak Station. The Railways Branch of the EMSD acted in concert with the arrangement and deployed resources to conduct safety assessments and on-site tests for the new railway systems.
In order not to affect the normal operation of the existing MOL, the tests for some railway systems (such as power distribution systems, signalling systems and rolling stock) had to be conducted during non-traffic hours after midnight. Under close co-ordination with relevant government departments, the Railways Branch of the EMSD confirmed in mid-January 2020 that various railway systems of the TML Phase 1 were in a safe and sound condition. With the collaboration and efforts of all parties, the TML Phase 1 was officially commissioned on 14 February 2020, providing a new and convenient route for members of the public to travel between Kowloon and the New Territories.
The Railways Branch of the EMSD is now co-ordinating and co-operating with relevant government departments to conduct safety assessments and tests for the TML new railway systems and railway facilities in preparation for the full commissioning of the TML. It is expected that the entire TML can be commissioned in the third quarter of 2021, bringing more convenient and new railway services to the public.