(19 May 2011)
MTR Corporation, one of the world’s leading public transport network operators, has today awarded a HK$2.4 billion contract forming part of the South Island Line (East) Project in Hong Kong to a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke, Kier and Kaden.

Together the partners will deliver Contract 901, a key piece of infrastructure at Admiralty station and another significant part of MTR’s plans to extend and improve the Hong Kong railway system. 

The new interchange station will provide a convenient link between the new South Island Line (East) and the existing Island Line as well as the Tsuen Wan Line, with provision for integration with the proposed Shatin to Central Link.

In addition to the four new platforms that will be constructed below and adjacent to the existing station, the works include an interchange concourse, relocation of existing passenger entrances and external landscaping.

Welcoming the news, Laing O’Rourke SE Asia Managing Director Mike Robins said, “As part of Laing O’Rourke’s strategy to build enduring relationships with prestigious global organisations, we are delighted to showcase our capabilities to the MTR Corporation on the new project.  Hong Kong offers huge opportunities for growth in rail infrastructure, and we are honoured to work with them in this challenging environment.”

The MTR network typically carries an average of four million passengers each day, with the Tsuen Wan Line alone designed to carry up to 85,000 passengers per hour. Admiralty station will remain open throughout the four year construction programme.

As well as substantial operations in Hong Kong and Mainland China, the MTR Corporation is a successful global rail infrastructure operator, with interests in Australia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The contract was won against strong international competition following a two stage tender process. The joint venture partners will be working with the MTR team as a single delivery entity.