Hong Kong-based MTR has awarded a A$1.2bn (US$1.23bn) contract to build the West Kowloon Terminus Station North, which is a part of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL), to a joint venture between Leighton Asia and Gammon.

The scope of work will include construction of nine long-haul and six shuttle platforms, departure lounges, customs and immigration facilities, duty-free and other retail outlets.

Upon completion, the project will provide a world-class rail terminus and serve as an international gateway to the mainland of China with a daily passenger capacity of over 100,000.

Construction works are slated to start in October 2012, and are expected to be completed in 2015.