Hong Kong transport chiefs want HK$262 million for planning and design of new rail link
- Transport and Logistics Bureau say 7km link in East Kowloon will be needed to cope with anticipated increase in demand for transport over next few years
Hong Kong transport chiefs are to ask for more than HK$262 (US$33.5 million) to pay for the planning and design of a proposed East Kowloon railway line with the possibility of a funding model based on property development along the route.
A paper submitted to the Legislative Council’s public works committee on Wednesday showed a 7km (4.3 mile) “smart and green mass transit system” in the area, including a 1km tunnel and eight stations, between Choi Hung East and Yau Tong East.
“We need to provide a convenient and fast smart and green mass transit system for the more than 300,000 residents in the uphill areas to connect to the existing railway network and to facilitate the commuting of the public to and from different areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island,” the Transport and Logistics Bureau document said.
The plan also involve the construction of pedestrian linkages and a depot at the planned Ma Yau Tong station, as well as the tunnel section in Lam Tin North.
The bureau said it aimed to complete the work by 2033, which includes determining alignment and station locations for the project, as well as an assessment of the environmental impact and the effects on transport in the area and cultural heritage.
Officials added the densely populated northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong had heavy road traffic and, as housing developments in the area were completed, pressure on transport links was expected to increase.