[Explanation] The cross-sea section of the East Rail Line of the Hong Kong MTR was officially opened to traffic on May 15. It is the fourth cross-sea railway in Hong Kong, connecting the northeastern New Territories, Kowloon Central and Hong Kong Island.

On the same day, the MTR arranged for the "special first train on the first day" to depart from the Convention and Exhibition Station at 5:25 in the morning, attracting a large number of citizens.

The reporter saw that after the countdown was over, the long-awaited citizens rushed into the train platform and boarded the first train.

Many citizens expressed excitement and happiness in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　Super invincible, very excited.

Because I have been waiting for this line (opening to traffic) for a long time, this morning, I also took the first train back and forth in both directions.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　I am very happy and excited today, because today the East Rail Line crosses the sea section (opens to traffic).

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　What's your mood today? Of course I'm happy!

So I took my granddaughter out for a walk.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　Excited, (although) I am not usually interested in railways, but today I know that a new station has been opened and I want to take a look.

　　[Explanation] It is reported that the East Rail Line was first put into use in 1910. It runs from Kowloon through the New Territories to Lo Wu. It is the longest heavy-duty railway in Hong Kong.

The East Rail Line has witnessed the transformation of the Hong Kong Railway over a century, from steam trains and diesel trains at the beginning, to electrified trains in the 1980s, and various modern trains have been introduced one after another.

　　[Commentary] The reporter saw the historical pictures of the East Rail Line spanning the entire platform in the station, reviewing the journey of the East Rail Line to Hong Kong Island over the past century, including the railway timetable in 1911, the old tickets, and the remains in Hong Kong during World War II. bomb shell.

Many parents take their children to experience, visit, check in, and study on weekends, saying that the exhibition station is not only convenient for commuting, but also of great educational significance.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　Tell them the history of Hong Kong in the past and they are very interested.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　In fact, I am a "railway fan" myself, and there is some history of the Kowloon-Canton Railway behind me.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　There are many historical maps, photos and ruins here.

Having learned some old-fashioned train styles, tickets, routes, and what trains used to be in the past, I hope I can learn more history when I go to middle school.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　At this exhibition station, I learned a lot about the history of the East Rail Line and the process of building the cross-sea section of the East Rail Line from Hung Hom Station to Admiralty Station, and I also realized that the workers who built it, they worked hard and sweated present) results.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　It is the fourth cross-harbour tunnel in Hong Kong, and the second line in Hong Kong that did not go to Hong Kong Island originally extended to Hong Kong Island.

　　[Explanation] It is understood that the MTR East Rail Line has newly built a convention and exhibition station, which is adjacent to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and connects the original Hung Hom Station and Admiralty Station to form a cross-sea section that spans across Victoria Harbour, bringing railway services to Entering the core business district of Wan Chai.

At the same time, the total length of the East Rail Line has increased to about 46 kilometers and 16 stations.

Many citizens told reporters from China News Agency that it is convenient to travel after the opening to traffic.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　For us seniors, vacation travel is convenient.

It only takes one ride to get to Hong Kong Island.

So we will often take the train out to play in the future.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　Convenient, because it is possible to go to certain subway stations and reduce the (time) of changing lines.

　　[Concurrent] Hong Kong citizens

　　It's a big change, you think, it won't take a long time to get from the exhibition station to the Luohu station. I live in Sheung Shui, and if I go to work, it will be very fast, so I think it is quite good.

　　Reporter Liang Yuan Hong Kong reports

Responsible editor: [Tian Boqun]