Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam ‘not really satisfied’ with slow progress on MTR expansion
- City chief says recent crash and construction controversies stymie work on new lines and extensions
- Seven projects outlined in 2014 planning document remain on the drawing board
Hong Kong’s leader has expressed dismay at the slow progress of expansion on the city’s subway, saying recent snags and controversies afflicting the rail operator and the government had left them with little time and energy.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor told a regular question and answer session at the Legislative Council on Wednesday that none of the seven railway projects outlined in a 2014 planning paper had entered in-depth planning.
“Since I took office, railway issues have troubled the Transport and Housing Bureau, myself and the MTR Corporation,” Lam said.
“But we only have so much energy and manpower at a given time. I’m not really satisfied.”
Lam was replying a question from pro-government legislator Chan Kin-por, who had asked if the administration could urge railway operator the MTR Corporation to submit a proposal on extending the South Island line to add five more stations on the west of Hong Kong Island.