MTR Corporation has reached settlement arrangements with the Hong Kong Government over construction delays associated with the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) and Shatin to Central Link projects.
Under the agreement announced on 2 October 2026, MTR will make a one-off payment of 2.25 billion HKD to the Government in relation to the High Speed Rail (HSR) project during 2026.
For the Shatin to Central Link (SCL), MTR and the Government have agreed not to pursue claims against one another concerning project delays. No additional payment will therefore be made in relation to the SCL project.
The disputes relate to construction and other challenges encountered during the earlier stages of both projects, which resulted in delays and outstanding matters between MTR and the Government.
MTR Chief Executive Officer Jeny Yeung said:Various construction and other challenges were encountered in the earlier years of the HSR (HK Section) and the SCL projects, resulting in project delays and related issues that remained to be settled between the Corporation and the Government.
The Corporation has drawn lessons from the two projects and conducted reviews and rigorous follow-up in light of their specific circumstances. More recently, we have embarked on a new phase of large-scale railway expansion to support Hong Kong’s long-term development. We continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to rigorous project management, continuously enhancing our works management and making greater use of technology to drive efficiency while ensuring works quality... We will continue to provide the railway infrastructure critical to Hong Kong’s future development and support the city’s long-term sustainable growth.
The HSR (Hong Kong Section) was completed and opened progressively for passenger services in 2018, while the SCL was completed in 2022. MTR has reviewed the experience of both projects and introduced follow-up measures based on the circumstances surrounding them.
The company said that safety and quality would remain priorities across its current and future projects, while it would also provide the Government and other stakeholders with information on project progress and key milestones.
The settlement comes as MTR continues to expand Hong Kong’s railway network and develop additional local and cross-boundary services. Since the HSR (Hong Kong Section) entered service eight years ago, the number of direct destinations served has increased to 113. The line provides cross-boundary connections for daily travel, tourism and business.
MTR also operates the Tuen Ma Line, which links areas across the eastern and western New Territories and connects with Kowloon East. The East Rail Line’s cross-harbour extension provides a direct rail connection between the New Territories and Hong Kong Island’s commercial and financial districts.
The settlement brings the outstanding claims between MTR and the Hong Kong Government relating to delays on the two earlier projects to an agreed conclusion.
