The contract, valued at approximately £12 million (approximately EUR 13.8 million), aims to enhance the fleet's performance, reliability, and service life. The modernisation initiative aligns with MTR's objective of meeting the growing demands on its transit network by optimising and extending the capabilities of its locomotive fleet. The project aims to extend the service life of the locomotives by over 15 years, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
Wabtec has a history of collaboration with Mass Transit Railway (MTR), having built the original locomotives for the corporation in 1996 and 1997. The modernisation project will focus on three key areas: upgrading the locomotives' existing control electronics, motor alternator control units, and battery charger units. Additionally, a datalogger will be installed as part of the control electronics upgrade, providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities. Wabtec will design and build new automatic test equipment to ensure the newly refurbished electronic racks meet different modes of operation.
Teams from Wabtec's United Kingdom and Hong Kong offices will lead the project in close collaboration with MTR. Currently in the design phase, Wabtec plans to commence delivery of the modernised locomotives in 2024.
MTR, owned by the Hong-Kong government, is the main public transport network in Hong Kong, serving Hong King Island, Kowloon and New Territories. The 240 km rail system takes five million daily trips on weekdays. Internationally, MTR is involved in several projects in China, Australia, the UK (SWR, Elisabeth Line), and Sweden (MTRX, Stockholms pendeltåg).
