Hong Kong leader to ‘unveil plans for new rail link’ with Qianhai in policy address
- Project will serve as an extension of planned HK$62 billion Northern Link to cater for eightfold expansion of Qianhai
- Source says order for a new rail link came from Beijing and chief executive is expected to roll out study on it as soon as possible
The rail project, estimated to cost billions of dollars, will serve as an extension of a planned HK$62 billion (US$8 billion) Northern Link to cater for the newly announced eightfold expansion of Qianhai.
Sources on Thursday said Beijing had planned the construction of a rail link connecting Hung Shui Kiu, a proposed new town in the western part of the New Territories, to Qianhai in a bid to facilitate its ambitious expansion blueprint and the integration of both places.
The initiative, approved by the State Council last week, envisions the creation of a “world-class” Qianhai business environment by 2035. The economic zone – to be expanded from 14.9 sq km (3,706 acres) to 120.6 sq km – would offer a “wider stage” for Hong Kong to grow its economy and create opportunities for young people, mainland Chinese officials said.
A source familiar with the proposed rail extension said four stations were being planned but the exact alignment had not been finalised.