Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Railway Company (MTR) has officially launched the Northern Link project, which is a significant transportation backbone for the Northern Metropolis area and the largest among several railway projects being promoted by MTR [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Northern Link project will connect the East Rail Line and the Tuen Ma Line, with a branch line directly linking to the Shenzhen Huanggang Port, establishing the third direct railway connection between Hong Kong and mainland China [2]. - The main line of the Northern Link is expected to enhance public transport connectivity in multiple new development areas within the Northern Metropolis, forming a circular railway that significantly improves the coverage and resilience of the railway network [2]. Group 2: Government and Company Statements - The Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Chen Mei-bao, emphasized that the Northern Link is a landmark project in the infrastructure of the Northern Metropolis, facilitating the flow of people and contributing to regional development [2]. - MTR Chairman, Ouyang Boquan, stated that the Northern Metropolis is a new engine for Hong Kong's future development, and the railway will deepen cross-border connections with the mainland [2]. Group 3: Project Timeline and Progress - MTR reported that the construction progress of the East Rail Line's Kwu Tung Station, part of the Northern Link project, is on track, with structural completion expected in November 2023 and operations targeted to commence in 2027 [3].

Core Points - The Hong Kong Railway Company (MTR) launched the Northern Link project, which is a significant transportation backbone for the Northern Metropolis [2] - The main line will connect the East Rail Line and the Tuen Ma Line, while the branch line will directly link to the Shenzhen Huanggang Port, establishing a third direct railway connection between Hong Kong and the mainland [2] - The project aims to enhance accessibility in the Northern Metropolis and strengthen cross-border connections with the mainland [3] Summary by Sections - **Project Overview** - The Northern Link is the largest railway project currently being promoted by MTR [2] - The project includes a main line and a branch line, with the main line serving as a public transport backbone for new development areas in the Northern Metropolis [2] - **Government and Company Statements** - The Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasized the project's role as a vital transport artery for regional development [2] - MTR's Chairman highlighted the importance of the Northern Link in enhancing accessibility and deepening cross-border ties with the mainland [3] - **Construction and Timeline** - MTR aims to complete the main line and branch line by 2034 [3] - The construction of the East Rail Line's Kwu Tung Station is progressing well, with structural completion expected in November 2023 and operations targeted for 2027 [3]

Core Points - The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, presented a new policy address on September 17, focusing on the development of the Northern Metropolis area [1] - Major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Kwu Tung Station and Hung Shui Kiu Station, are progressing rapidly, with completion expected in 2027 and 2030 respectively [1] - The Hong Kong government has signed the first phase project agreement with MTR Corporation to integrate the Northern Link main line and branch line, aiming for simultaneous operation by 2034 or earlier [1] - Transportation infrastructure projects connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong are being accelerated [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Northern Metropolis (North Metropolis) is seen as a new engine for Hong Kong's future development and a key node for integrating into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the national development framework [1][2]. Group 1: Development Plans and Goals - The Northern Metropolis encompasses Yuen Long and North District, covering approximately 300 square kilometers, which is about one-third of Hong Kong's total area, with an expected future residential population also accounting for one-third of Hong Kong [2]. - The Hong Kong government aims to accelerate land development and housing construction in the Northern Metropolis, with around 60,000 housing units expected to be completed in the next five years, and an additional 150,000 units in the following five years, along with over 10 million square meters of floor area for economic use [2][3]. - The Northern Metropolis is expected to contribute approximately HKD 52 billion annually to Hong Kong's economy once fully developed [2]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Connectivity - The Northern Metropolis will feature key infrastructure projects, including the Northern Link, with the first station expected to open in 2027 and the main line projected to be operational by 2034 [3]. - Cross-border railway projects between Hong Kong and Shenzhen are underway, with plans for detailed design and research to commence within the year [3]. Group 3: Strategic Importance and Collaboration - The Northern Metropolis is positioned as a bridge for cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China, with Shenzhen expected to gain significant development opportunities [6]. - The area is divided into four major zones: high-end professional services and logistics hub, innovation and technology zone, port commerce and industry zone, and a blue-green recreational tourism ecosystem, all of which are strategically connected to Shenzhen's districts [7]. - The government is exploring ways to attract Shenzhen capital for investment in the Northern Metropolis, including the development of a university town and a technology city [8].