The new rail lines, which are expected to cost a combined HK$100 billion, will be built in phases from 2020. Photo: Google Map
HK to announce US$12.9 bln rail projects
Hong Kong will build four new railway lines in stages from 2020 at a cost of more than HK$100 billion (US$12.9 billion), the Hong Kong Economic Journal reported Friday.
The government is expected to announce the projects this month after two rounds of public consultation.
The new lines will cover South Island (West), New Territories North, Tuen Mun South and Tung Chung West.
A proposed line for South Island (East) has been delayed.
The project will expand Hong Kong’s existing network which consists of 10 rail lines and and a light rail system which serves 11 routes in the New Territories.
Construction will start in 2020 after the Shatin-Central link is completed.
Meanwhile, further consultations are needed on a proposed North Island line to relieve overcrowding on the Island Line, the report said, citing Michael Tien, chairman of the Legislative Council railways subcommittee.
The proposed route would connect Hong Kong station on the Tung Chung Line with North Point station.
Island Line (West) will link Wong Chuk Hang station and University of Hong Kong, with stops at Wah Fu estate and Pok Fu Lam, while the entire South Island Line will be fully connected.
Northern New Territories will be linked through Kam Sheung Road Station, Kwu Tung Station, which is a proposed stop between Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau, and Sheung Shui.
Tien expects the West Rail Line to reach capacity by 2025 but an additional two stations could worsen overcrowding.
The government is proposing two new stations in Tuen Mun Pier and Hung Shui Kiu to ease traffic on Tuen Mun Road, Tien said.
A proposed line between Tuen Mun Pier and Tsuen Wan West is on hold due to concerns over cost and noise pollution.
Tuen Mun district councilor Chan Wan-sang criticised the decision to shelve the Tuen Mun Pier-Tsuen Wan West project, saying the government failed to take into account that many residents of these areas travel to work, causing massive congestion on Tuen Mun Road.
Without a new rail line, the problem could deteriorate, he said.
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