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Railways play a key role in Hong Kong's transport systems strategy as
they are safe, efficient, reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly
mass carriers. The Government, therefore, accords high priority to railway
development.
About $75 billion has been committed to five railways
under construction for completion between 2003 and 2007. These are the
West Rail, the Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link, the KCR Tsim Sha Tsui
Extension, the Penny's Bay Rail Link and the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau
Spur Line. The 30.5-kilometre West Rail, which comprises nine stations
and connects West Kowloon with Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, began operation
on December 20.
To meet Hong Kong's increasing transport needs in
a sustainable manner over the next two decades, the Government has formulated
the Railway Development Strategy 2000 (RDS-2000) based on the findings
of the Second Railway Development Study. The RDS-2000 provides a blueprint
for the next phase of railway development, and following its recommendations,
two new projects — the Kowloon Southern Link and the Shatin to Central
Link — are targeted for completion within a window between 2008 and
2011. Other projects under consideration include the West Hong Kong Island
Line, South Hong Kong Island Line, Northern Link and Regional Express
Line. |
