The topping-out ceremony was held by MTR for the Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line, after which the construction project will enter the mechanical and electrical engineering stage, to be finalized in 2027.
Photo source: MTR FB
MTR said that the civil engineering construction of Kwu Tung Station has been almost completed, with all platform screen doors installed. The construction team will continue to make efficient use of the "golden two hours" after the closure of train to advance the interior decoration of the station and the installation of mechanical and electrical building equipment, including elevators and signal systems, etc., as well as test the interconnection between different systems to ensure smooth operation, as to minimize the impact on daily operations.
Photo source: MTR FB
Dr Jacob Kam Chak-pui, the CEO of MTR, said in his speech that the structural engineering of Kwu Tung Station is highly challenging. It's quite hard to build a new station in the tunnel that is still in operation on the East Rail Line. He noted that, over the past two years, the engineering team has showcased close cooperation in maintaining the daily operation of the line and ensuring the safety and smoothness of train operation. The team members' rigorous planning and construction, as well as their extensive application of new technologies, are the important factors that guarantee the project's high quality and its smooth advancement according to the schedule.
Photo source: MTR FB
Hong Kong will host the UITP Summit in 2028, marking the first time the event will take place in the Asia-Pacific region.
UITP, Photo source: uitp.org
Following a competitive selection process and extensive deliberations by the UITP Executive Board, Hong Kong has been confirmed as the host city, with MTR Corporation serving as the local host organisation.
MTR Corporation, Photo by Bastille Post
The UITP Summit is the leading global event for public transport, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the sector, including operators, authorities, industry suppliers and policy makers from more than 100 countries. In 2028, that international community will gather in one of the world’s most recognised public transport cities.
A Global Summit Arrives in Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong’s selection reflects both the strength of its public transport system and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility.
Public transport accounts for around 90% of daily journeys in Hong Kong. With rail as the backbone of its network, the city has developed a highly efficient and integrated system that connects communities, supports economic activity and contributes to long-term sustainability.
Hosting the Summit in 2028 provides an opportunity to showcase this model to a global audience, while facilitating discussion on the sector’s most pressing priorities, from technological innovation and asset management to customer experience and climate resilience.
The public transport in Hong Kong, Photo by Bastille Post
Partnership with MTR Corporation
MTR Corporation has been a UITP member since 1990 and has contributed actively to the association’s committees, working groups and knowledge exchange initiatives.
The organisation has also hosted UITP Asia-Pacific conferences and has received UITP recognition for its work in areas including innovation and operational excellence.
As host organisation, MTR will work closely with UITP, local authorities and industry partners to deliver a Summit that reflects both Hong Kong’s public transport achievements and the global ambitions of the sector.
The 2028 edition will also provide an opportunity to highlight the wider Greater Bay Area and its role as a rapidly developing hub for innovation, connectivity and integrated urban mobility.
MTR Corporation, Photo by Bastille Post
The Road to 2028
Under UITP’s annual Summit format, the global public transport community meets each year in different regions of the world. As preparations continue for the 2026 edition in Dubai, and ahead of the return to Hamburg in 2027, the confirmation of Hong Kong for 2028 provides clarity on the Summit’s continued global rotation.
Each edition of the Summit offers a platform for international collaboration, knowledge exchange and industry leadership. In 2028, Hong Kong will welcome that conversation to the Asia-Pacific region for the first time.
Over the coming years, detailed preparations will begin in close cooperation with partners across the city. The 2028 Summit will build on the strong foundations of previous editions while highlighting the role of public transport in supporting inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable urban development.
