Volume 1 - Issue 2, May - June 2026

This paper presents a detailed review of magnetic suspension (maglev) technology and its potential application to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system in Hong Kong. Medium-low speed maglev technology can be a feasible alternative for certain urban corridors, with the existing Hong Kong rail infrastructure under increasing pressure of capacity, space limitations for underground expansion, and growing environmental sustainability demands. Based on the technical documents of existing maglev lines in Mainland China (Changsha, Qingyuan, Beijing S1 Line), policy discussions of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area integration initiatives and research results of the National Rail Transit Electrification and Automation Engineering Technology Research Centre of Hong Kong (CNERC-Rail), this article provides a systematic analysis of the technical features, economic feasibility, operational needs and strategic implications of the analysis shows that while maglev technology enables considerable gains in terms of construction cost reduction (about one-fourth of underground tunnel systems), operational efficiency and environmental performance, its implementation faces challenges in terms of technology localisation, regulatory adaptation, integration with existing rail networks and public acceptance. The article proposes a phased rollout approach for maglev, starting with selected corridors such as Kwun Tong to Kai Tak, and positioning Hong Kong as a potential pilot for maglev links in the Greater Bay Area.

Wing Cheung TANG, "Magnetic Suspension Technology for Mass Transit Railway in Hong Kong Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategic Pathways" International Journal of Advance Research in Science, Management, Engineering and Technology, V1(2): Page(19-26) May-June 2026. ISSN: 3139-1141. www.ijarsmet.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.