Partial opening of scandal-hit Sha Tin-Central MTR link set for Valentine’s Day, Hong Kong transport minister reveals
- Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan says date is good amid ‘gloomy sentiment’, with rail giant to announce ‘surprises’
- Move will push up total costs to record HK$99.1 billion for city’s most expensive rail project
The long-awaited partial opening of Hong Kong’s scandal-hit Sha Tin-Central rail link is set for Valentine’s Day, the city’s transport minister has confirmed.
Speaking after the Legislative Council’s transport panel meeting on Friday, Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said the first part of the city’s most expensive rail project – a section from Tai Wai to Kai Tak through Hin Keng and Diamond Hill – would be operational by February 14.
“We believe this is a good day amid the current gloomy sentiment. The MTR Corporation will announce the details and has some surprises for us about its arrangement,” he said. “The Transport Department will liaise with all transport operators to provide connecting services.”
The Post was told a trial run for the Tai Wai-Kai Tak stretch was conducted in October last year, gaining approval from the government.