en.Wedoany.com Reported - MTR Corporation has completed the tunneling work for the twin-track section of the Tung Chung Line Extension's West Section using the Herrenknecht slurry pressure balance tunnel boring machine (TBM) "Xihe."

This breakthrough marks the completion of tunnel works between the existing Tung Chung Station and the future Tung Chung West Station, allowing the project to proceed to track laying and electrical and mechanical works.

The tunnel was constructed by a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics and Dragages Hong Kong, using the 7.3-meter diameter Herrenknecht slurry pressure balance TBM "Xihe." Weighing approximately 1,000 tons and measuring about 100 meters in length, the machine was selected to navigate the variable geological conditions along the alignment while minimizing impact on surrounding communities.

During excavation, the TBM simultaneously installed precast concrete segments, enhancing construction efficiency and safety. "Xihe" was launched in early 2025 and completed its first drive to Tung Chung West Station in October 2025.

Following the breakthrough, the project team executed MTR's first on-site TBM U-turn operation at the space-constrained Tung Chung West Station. This innovative maneuver eliminated the need for heavy lifting and transportation of the equipment, enabling the second tunnel drive to proceed in reverse back to Tung Chung Station.

MTR Corporation Chief Executive Officer Jeny Yeung attended a ceremony on June 22 alongside government officials, project team members, and contractors to celebrate the completion of the tunnel works.

Yeung stated that MTR is committed to building community railways in a community-friendly manner, noting that "Xihe" overcame complex and variable geological conditions, cutting through mountains and crossing under the sea to establish an underground railway corridor for the Tung Chung West Section.

The TBM's name, derived from the sun goddess in Chinese mythology, was selected through a community naming competition that received over 400 submissions.

While the West Section tunnels are complete, the overall Tung Chung Line Extension project continues to progress. Major track realignment works are underway in the East Section, with the Hong Kong-bound track expected to be switched to the new alignment in the third quarter of 2026.

The Tung Chung Line Extension project is scheduled for completion in 2029, when the addition of Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West stations will enhance railway connectivity and support the future development of North Lantau.

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