The Macau government has announced plans to build six new Light Rapid Transit (LRT) lines as part of a long-term strategy to expand the city’s rail network into a loop system, with key routes designed to connect major border checkpoints and improve access to casino districts.
The proposal, outlined in the Strategic Study for the Development of the Macau Light Rapid Transit released on Friday, has been opened for public consultation through February 28th.
According to the blueprint, priority will be given to the East Line Extension and the Seac Pai Van Line Extension.
The East Line Extension, which will connect the Border Gate checkpoint with the Qingmao Port and the former Canidrome site—now planned for redevelopment as the Citizen Sports Park—is regarded as one of the most significant projects, as it links Macau’s largest border crossings, which handle a substantial share of visitor arrivals heading toward casino areas.
Once completed and operational, the new line is expected to substantially address the current lack of rail transit at key entry points. It could also help reduce Cotai’s long-standing reliance on casino-operated shuttle bus services.
The East Line Extension will span approximately 1.5 kilometers and include two underground stations: Qingmao Station and Citizen Sports Park Station. The line will connect with the future West Line to form an outer loop, improving transfers for cross-border travelers, nearby residents, and visitors. Construction is planned using tunnel boring methods, with the project expected to adopt the same system as the existing East Line, which is currently scheduled for completion in 2029.
Another short-term project is the Seac Pai Van Line Extension, a 2.1-kilometer elevated route linking Seac Pai Van with Lai Chi Vun and Coloane Village. The line will serve residential neighborhoods and tourist attractions, with stations at Panda Pavilion, Lai Chi Vun, and Coloane Village. Due to fewer geographic constraints, the project is considered technically less complex and suitable for early implementation.
In the medium and long term, the government plans additional routes, including the South Line, West Line, Taipa North Line, and Taipa Central Line. Most of these lines are designed to operate underground to minimize environmental impact, protect urban landscapes, and ensure stable operations during extreme weather.
According to local media outlet Macau Daily, Wong Kin Wai, a representative of the project’s consulting firm, said some districts remain insufficiently covered by the current LRT network. The latest study therefore focuses on improving system efficiency and expanding coverage while balancing technical feasibility, passenger demand, land constraints, and residents’ needs. When completed, the expanded LRT network is expected to span approximately 24 kilometers with 21 stations.
