Long-term Railway Development Strategy

172.         The five railway projects now underway are the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Hong Kong Section), Kwun Tong Line Extension, West Island Line, South Island Line (East) and Shatin to Central Link. These lines are expected for commissioning in succession between 2014 and 2020. With these new lines, areas inhabited by more than 70% of the population in Hong Kong will be brought into the railway catchment area.

173.         A railway project typically takes 8 to 10 years to go through the process from planning to commissioning, and usually requires multi-billion dollar investment. Therefore, it is imperative for the Government to be forward-looking and make timely plans for the future. The THB started a review and update of the long-term railway development strategy in 2011. We plan to launch Stage 2 Public Engagement Exercise early this year, with the focal point on the exploration of local enhancement schemes for existing railway lines. We will work together with the public to plan the development of our future railways which are cost-effective and able to meet our transportation demand.

Contents | Next