First high-speed train for the Express Rail Link arrived in Hong Kong

The first of the nine high-speed trains for the Hong Kong Section of the GuangzhouShenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (“XRL”) project arrived Hong Kong from Qingdao by sea, having completed production and extensive testing.

With a sleek exterior design and stylish interior design, the new trains also featured a range of diversified facilities on board to provide passengers with comfortable and convenient journeys.

The nine eight-carriage XRL trains are manufactured by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd. (Qingdao Sifang) with a design based on the CRH380A model and facilitate the operation at the Hong Kong section. To ensure high performance, stringent standards on safety and quality control have been enforced throughout the design and manufacturing stages.

“During train production, MTR staff members have been stationed at the factory to closely monitor the production process including manufacturing, assembly and testing procedures. A range of monitoring measures and independent expert assessments are conducted throughout the process. With decades of expertise and experience accumulated in train production and quality management, our system and working are to ensure that both the materials and production quality are commensurate with international safety standards and national regulations,”said Dr Philco Wong, Projects Director of the MTR Corporation.

Before shipment from Qingdao, the first high-speed train for the XRL underwent comprehensive factory testing and inspection before completing dynamic tests (such as pantograph function, traction and braking system, train-borne signalling system and aerodynamic, etc.) on the operating line of the Shanghai to Kunming High-speed Railway over a total distance of more than 5,000 kilometres.

Upon the arrival in Hong Kong, the train will be delivered to the Shek Kong Stabling Sidings by road transport. The train will first undergo assembly and testing, followed by multiple static tests and low-speed dynamic tests. These will be followed by dynamic testing on the 16-km pilot test section between Shek Kong Emergency Rescue Siding and Mongkok West Ventilation Building.

Before the commencement ofservice, trainsstill have to go through a range of tests, including System Integration Tests and On-site Tests. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and relevant government departments, as well as the Independent Safety Assessor appointed by the Corporation, will monitor the tests to ensure trains meet the required international safety standards.

The XRL project is progressing as planned with around 82% completion. The Corporation will continue closely monitoring the progress and making every endeavour to achieve the target of delivering the Express Rail Link for passenger service in Q3 2018.

About MTR Corporation

MTR Corporation is regarded as one of the world’s leading railway operators for safety, reliability, customer service and cost efficiency. In its home base of Hong Kong, the Corporation operates nine commuter railway lines, a Light Rail network and a high-speed Airport Express link on which more than 5.5 million passenger trips are made on a normal week day. Another 5 million passenger trips are made on the rail services it operates outside Hong Kong in the Mainland of China, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia. In addition, the Corporation is involved in a range of railway construction projects as well as railway consultancy and contracting services around the world. Leveraging on its railway expertise, the Corporation is involved in the development of transit-related residential and commercial property projects, property management, shopping malls leasing and management, advertising media and telecommunication services.