After the rail merger, the KCR logos on the SP1900 EMU were replaced with those of MTR, and a revised route map was introduced in the train interiors.

On 8 March 1999, a Japanese consortium comprising Itochu, Kinki Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (collectively named IKK) won a HK$3.1-billion contract to build a new model of commuter train for the Kowloon–Canton Railway (KCR).

The remaining 154 cars, which began to be delivered in 2002,[4] were reserved until the inauguration of the KCR West Rail in December 2003, and were arranged in 22 sets of seven-car formations.

[citation needed] In January 2006, another contract KRS991 was signed by the KCRC, ordering an additional 34 compartments of the same model, in preparation for the Kowloon Southern Link, which was opened in 2009.

[citation needed] The SP1900 trains feature a completely different appearance from the now-retired Metro-Cammell EMU on the East Rail line.

Its exterior livery is almost identical to the older trains following refurbishment, as well as all newer equipment, with five sliding doors on each side of the standard compartment.

The interior of SP1900 is yellowish with blue flooring, with fully longitudinal seating akin to the M-Trains on the urban lines and a wider gangway connection than the refurbished Metro Cammell EMUs.

Each car has six 22-inch (559 mm) (originally 15-inch (381 mm)) LCD monitors mounted on stanchions and broadcasting looping daily TV news provided by Cable TV Hong Kong (Newsline Express), advertisements and safety guidelines when announcements are being broadcast.

[9] In 2007, KCRC introduced customized "Art Unlimited" exterior wraps on one East Rail set and one West Rail set, featuring pro-modern plane art exhibitions dedicated by public volunteers on both the exterior and interior of the train compartments.

The scene was in the Tai Lam Tunnel southbound track, about 2 km (1.2 mi) from Tsuen Wan West station.

Around 650 passengers had to evacuate through the dark tunnel to the station, and around 340 people returned to the ground through a ventilation shaft at Chai Wan Kok.

[10] As a gesture of apology, Mr Michael Tien, the KCRC chairman, announced that the West Rail would be opened for free rides on 9am to 1pm at 21 February 2007, the first working day after the Chinese New Year holiday.