MTR Corp submits new rail plan and vows to minimise disruption

Noise, traffic disruption and subsidence are not the only problems likely to arise when construction of the Sha Tin-Central Rail Link begins next year - even animals will have to pack their bags.

In the latest realignment plan submitted to district councillors of Sha Tin and Kowloon City yesterday, the MTR Corp proposed moving a section between To Kwa Wan and Ma Tau Wai closer to Kowloon City to serve residents of the district.

But the company said this would have a bigger impact on the East Kowloon Corridor. As the section will be built under the highway, the foundations of the flyover will need to be strengthened. Given that the area is densely populated with old tenements, the MTR Corp warned of the danger of ground subsidence.

Various parks and gardens - including Sung Wong Toi Garden opposite the luxury Sky Tower apartments - will be claimed for temporary storage of construction material and heavy machinery. More space, purportedly in Kai Tak, will be needed to house the huge amount of debris and construction waste, otherwise the rail line may not be able to open as planned by 2015 or 2016.

And as the project will also require a number of explosions, an explosives magazine is proposed to be built in Shui Chuen O - a remote area in Sha Tin. The MTR Corp expects there will be two blasts a day.

Hin Keng - the second station after the line's major intersection terminal at Tai Wai - will be an elevated station located at an animal shelter operated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. A nearby quarantine station for plants will also have to make way.