MTR growth continues with two train contracts signed for major new line in Hong Kong

The MTR Corporation has announced it will be awarding two contracts to purchase 148 new train cars and modify 348 existing train cars for the future operation of the East West Corridor of the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) in Hong Kong. The line is due for completion in two phases in 2018 and 2020.

In the UK, MTR is currently bidding for Thameslink and Essex Thameside franchises, as well as the high profile Crossrail concession contract. For each of the bids, a key role for the successful train operator would be to oversee the introduction of new or upgraded rolling stock.

Commenting, Jeremy Long, CEO European Business at MTR said: “In the same way that Crossrail in the UK will run East to West across London, the Shatin to Central Link will create two important rail arteries to serve Hong Kong from East to West and from North to South. It is a crucial project for facilitating the city’s continued growth and we are making good progress in our construction programme. These are the final two Shatin to Central Link train contracts.”

The first contract was awarded to Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd for the design, supply, manufacture, testing and commissioning of 14 new 8-car trains at a price of approximately HK$1,140 million.

The second contract worth HK$1,180 million was awarded to Itochu-Kinki Sharyo-Kawasaki Consortium for the design, manufacture, delivery, testing and commissioning of 36 new train cars as well as the modification and reconfiguration of 348 train cars from the existing West Rail Line, East Rail Line and Ma On Shan Line.

As part of the procurement, MTR works in close collaboration with the rolling stock suppliers at the start of the tender through to testing and commissioning phases. This includes setting up joint project offices at the manufacturers’ bases in China and Japan as well as establishing a quality steering committee to engage with the supplier’s top management in committing to key performance measures. The experience gained from this exercise has established a model practice for supply chain management that will be carried through to the suppliers for MTR’s other new rolling stock contracts.