New rail projects will keep public transport system right on track
Anthony Cheung says the seven projects to enhance our rail network will help move millions around the city efficiently and reliably, building on the policy of making railways the backbone of Hong Kong's public transport system
The government's new railway development strategy provides a blueprint for planning the expansion of Hong Kong's network up to 2031. It is based on a consultancy review of the 2000 development strategy, taking into account views collected in two rounds of public engagement in 2012 and last year. Seven railway lines, extensions and station schemes, at an estimated total cost of HK$110 billion in 2013 prices, are proposed - namely, the Northern Link and Kwu Tung Station, Hung Shui Kiu Station, Tuen Mun South Station, Tung Chung West Station, the East Kowloon Line, South Island Line (West) and North Island Line.
By 2031, the combined network will be more comprehensive, with an increase in total railway length from 270km in 2021 to over 300km, with 114 stations.
Rail's share of public transport will increase to 45-50 per cent, and that of cross-harbour movements, highly constrained by road capacity, to 77 per cent. About 75 per cent of the population and 85 per cent of job opportunities will be within 1km of a station, releasing further development potential to support economic and social activities.