The joint venture between global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM and engineering leader AtkinsRéalis has been awarded a major consultancy contract by the Highways Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The contract involves the investigation, design, and construction supervision of the Hong Kong Section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu–Qianhai), or HSWRL.

The 7.3-kilometre Hong Kong segment forms part of a broader 18.1-kilometre cross-boundary railway connecting Hung Shui Kiu in Hong Kong’s New Territories to Qianhai in Shenzhen. The remaining 10.8 kilometres of the alignment will run through Shenzhen. The new line will enhance connectivity across the western part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), facilitating integration of metro systems in both cities.

According to the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau, the HSWRL is a priority project under the Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint released in 2023, which sets out a vision for enhanced regional mobility beyond 2030.

In a press statement, AECOM’s global transportation chief executive, Mark Southwell, said the company is honoured to be involved in expanding Hong Kong’s railway infrastructure. “Our long-standing presence in the region and commitment to sustainable urban mobility positions us well to support this transformative cross-boundary project,” he said.

Ian Chung, chief executive for AECOM in Asia, added that the award reflects the team’s international expertise in handling complex infrastructure and cross-border projects. “We’re committed to delivering innovative, efficient, and future-ready rail systems that connect communities and economies,” he stated.

The consultancy scope includes leveraging digital engineering tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and a Common Data Environment (CDE) to streamline design coordination and boost project transparency.

Once completed, the HSWRL is expected to cut travel time between Hung Shui Kiu and Qianhai to about 15 minutes, strengthening the GBA’s “one-hour living circle” goal. Planners believe this will stimulate economic synergy, boost cross-boundary employment, and enhance cultural exchange between Hong Kong and mainland China.

AECOM also contributed to Hong Kong’s long-term mobility strategy through its involvement in the Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads beyond 2030, which laid the foundation for current and future transport links in the GBA.