Boost for Hong Kong-Shenzhen connections as new railway line starts operating

Hong Kong rail enthusiasts have flocked to neighbouring Shenzhen to try out a new fully automated metro line operated by the MTR Corporation that links a major cross-border checkpoint to other parts of the mainland Chinese city.

The initial section of the first phase of Shenzhen Metro line 13, which stretches from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint station at the border to Hi-Tech Central station, started operating on Saturday.

Fans from the two cities, including children and teenagers, rushed into Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint station before the first train departed at about 10am.

The carriages were full of fans busy filming and taking photos.

“I’m so happy and excited. I couldn’t sleep last night,” a Hongkonger surnamed Choi said.

“I have been looking forward to it for several years. This is the second MTR line operating in Shenzhen, and it adopts fully autonomous driving. I want to experience it.”

Line 13 serves as a north-south railway backbone in the central-western part of Shenzhen. The line’s 22.4km first phase has 16 stations, and is operated by a joint venture company comprising MTR Consulting (Shenzhen) Company, China Railway Electrification Bureau (Group) Company and a subsidiary of the Shenzhen municipal government.