KCR INTL history

Following detailed surveys to decide the final route of the railway, the Public Works Department of the Hong Kong Government started construction of earthworks on the section from Tai Po Market to Fan Ling in December 1905.

1908 Construction begins on KCR Chinese Section.

Construction works south of Tai Po Kau Beacon Hill Tunnel under Construction (1909) Works area north of Beacon Hill, with staff quarters and a bridge (foreground) under construction

2, Kitson Class) at Shum Chun at the opening of the Chinese Section of the Railway on 5 October 1911.

In 1912, the narrow-gauge Sha Tau Kok branch line was opened to link up Fan Ling and Sha Tau Kok.

In 1913, Tai Po Market station was turned into a station of classical Chinese architectural style, and a halt at Sheung Shui was added.

1936 Non-stop journey from Kowloon Terminus to Canton in the record time of 2 hours 15 minutes The record is achieved by KCR’s railcar, Tai Po Belle, on 14 October 1936.

Services in the British Section were then disrupted by the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong three years later in 1941.

Following the end of the war, traffic quickly recovered but through-train services for both freight and passengers were again halted after 14 October 1949 when the People's Liberation Army captured Canton.

In 1955, diesel electric trains were first introduced and proved to be an operational success.

1962 Steam locomotives replaced by diesel electric trains entirely

1975 The new Kowloon station at Hung Hom opens, replacing the old station at Tsim Sha Tsui as the KCR terminus.

1979 Through train passenger services to the Mainland resume.

The first stage was opened on 6 May 1982, with the start of an inner suburban service between Kowloon and Sha Tin and a new station at Kowloon Tong.

Feeder bus services were first introduced in 1986.

KCRC’s first residential development, Pierhead Garden at Tuen Mun, was completed in 1988.

1997 FebruaryRefurbished (second generation) electric trains starts running on the East Rail

1998 AugustThe Ktt, KCRC's first double-deck electric through train, comes into service.

1999 KCRC issues the first international bond of US$1 billion

West Rail commenced operation in December 2003, with Light Rail assuming an additional role of providing complementary services to the new line.

In September 2004 the corporations submitted a joint merger report to the Government.

Construction works began in November 2005.

In August 2007 the Corporation's Managing Board gave its approval to the signing of the rail merger transaction documents.