Hong Kong officials have confirmed that the planned Pak Shek Kok Station on the East Rail Line will not require public funding. Instead, the project will be financed through the city’s long-standing rail and property development model.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho announced the plan on Saturday. She said the government had agreed to grant the MTR Corporation development rights at two sites to support the station project.
One development site is located in Pak Shek Kok, while the second is in Ma On Shan.
According to Linn, the value created through these property developments is expected to fully cover the cost of building the new railway station.
She said the government is still waiting for the MTR Corporation to complete its detailed station design and provide final construction cost estimates.
Although the total project cost has not yet been confirmed, officials remain confident that the rail-plus-property approach will provide enough funding without requiring direct government subsidies.
The rail-plus-property model has been used in Hong Kong for many years. Under this system, the MTR Corporation receives development rights for land near railway projects. Revenue from residential and commercial property developments helps finance new railway construction and infrastructure improvements.
Supporters of the model say it allows major transport projects to move forward while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
The proposed Pak Shek Kok Station has been discussed for several years as the surrounding area continues to grow.
Pak Shek Kok has seen significant residential and commercial development in recent years. The district is also home to research facilities, technology companies, educational institutions, and new housing projects.
A new station is expected to improve transport access for residents, workers, and students while supporting future development in the area.
The additional development site in Ma On Shan will also contribute to financing the railway project through future property development opportunities.
Officials have not announced when construction will begin. The project will move forward after the MTR Corporation completes its engineering design and submits detailed cost estimates.
The government and the railway operator will continue working together on planning and implementation before the final construction schedule is confirmed.
Hong Kong has relied on integrated transport and property development for decades to expand its railway network. The approach has helped fund several major rail projects while encouraging new housing and commercial growth around stations.
Authorities believe the same model will make the Pak Shek Kok Station financially sustainable without requiring public subsidies.
The announcement marks another step toward delivering the long-awaited station, which is expected to improve public transport services and support continued urban development in the northeastern part of Hong Kong.
Officials say further details, including the project timeline and final construction costs, will be released after the MTR Corporation completes its technical assessments and planning work.
