West line tops three-year list of projects likely to cost $50b
At least $50 billion needs to be spent on urgent rail developments over the next three years, experts warned.
Mr Tsang justified the predicted huge surplus by saying a large sum needed to be set aside while the options for rail development were studied.
The Railway Development Strategy, which includes the $49.4 billion West Rail and the Tai Wai to Ma On Shan railway, needed a substantial investment.
'It would be only prudent to earmark a sum of this magnitude to meet the potential funding for these projects over the forecast period,' Mr Tsang said.
The strategy also includes the MTR's Tseung Kwan O extension. But the Transport Branch said the West Rail would need most money.
Transport experts warned the $50 billion allocation should be carefully allotted to ensure all projects were completed in time to cater for the soaring population.