Hong Kong’s railway operator has deployed augmented reality (AR) technology to speed up construction of a station on a new link serving the Northern Metropolis megaproject to ensure it opens on time next year.

The MTR Corporation said on Tuesday that the power supply had been connected at Kwu Tung station and AR technology had been adopted to hasten progress.

“Applying the AR inspection system will allow us to simulate future scenarios and help workers carry out the assembly work accurately and efficiently so that we can ensure our station can open on schedule in 2027,” said Law Tik-ko, head of project delivery for the Northern Link (phase 1).

Several escalators have already been installed at the station using the technology, the South China Morning Post observed.

Kwu Tung station, located between the Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau stops on the East Rail line, forms part of the Northern Link.

The link will serve as the transport backbone of the Northern Metropolis megaproject near the border with mainland China.