The station is elevated and open-air, unlike almost every other station on the line. Only Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay stations are like this. Due to difficulties in installing platform screen doors (PSDs) in above ground stations, the MTR decided not to install PSDs in this station, instead installing automatic platform gates (APGs) on the station's platforms in 2011.
It is located far from most residential areas, causing many residents of Kwun Tong to take other means of transport in order to reach the station. A shopping centre and office tower, named apm Millennium City 5, are connected to the station.
Beneath the station building is a road tunnel which diverts traffic along Kwun Tong Road from the roundabout around the station.
History
The construction of the station under Contract 212 was awarded to Far East/Coignet joint venture.[1]
Kwun Tong station was opened when the Kwun Tong line was opened on 1 October 1979, and act as the terminus of the system, until Kwun Tong line was extended to Quarry Bay on 6 August 1989.
Station layout
The road tunnel built beneath Kwun Tong station
Platforms 1 and 2 share the same island platform, and it is curved, so the gap is large. Before Lam Tin station was opened, platform 1 was also used for departing westbound trains. After midnight, platform 1 is the termination platform of the Kwun Tong line, so trains can return to Kowloon Bay Depot. Before 07:01, platform 2 is the boarding platform of the Kwun Tong line after trains depart from Kowloon Bay Depot.