Passengers check their phones on an MTR train in Hong Kong on September 3, 2022. (CHINADAILYHK.COM)

HONG KONG - The Chief Executive-in-Council authorized on Tuesday the construction of a railway station in Hung Shui Kiu that is expected to be completed by 2030.

The Hung Shui Kiu MTR Station, an intermediate station between the Tin Shui Wai and Siu Hong stations on the Tuen Ma Line, will primarily serve the future Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area in the western part of the Northern Metropolis, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government statement.    

"The HSK Station will offer an alternative transport choice for local residents,” an HKSAR government spokesman was quoted as saying in the statement.

Currently, the commute between Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and the Tin Shui Wai Station or the Siu Hong Station takes about 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours, the spokesman said.

“With the commissioning of the HSK Station, the same journey by rail is expected to be shortened to about four minutes," he added.

The project was gazetted on Feb 24, 2023 and the government has submitted unwithdrawn objections to the Executive Council for consideration.

The spokesman said the MTR will continue to maintain close communication with stakeholders during the project’s implementation.

The MTR is also required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection to “minimize the disturbances to the environment to acceptable levels," he added.