The link would also serve as a connection to the border checkpoint to mainland China for passengers to and from the western New Territories.

[2] The Northern Link would start at Kam Sheung Road and end at Kwu Tung, with 3 intermediate stations.

Other benefits for constructing this project are significantly shorter journey times for certain trips (for example, the Yuen Long to Fanling route would be reduced in length from 20 stations to 5), significantly reducing costs for these trips, as well as relieving the large number of passengers using the East Rail line by diverting some passengers to the Tuen Ma line.

[14] The 9.5 km eastern extension extends eastward from Kwu Tung to Ping Che via Lo Wu South and Man Kam To.

[14] Originally planned as part of the extension, the section from Heung Yuen Wai to Fanling station will form the new 8.5 km Northeast New Territories Line.