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The Government published in the Gazette today (October 26) the railway scheme for the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) West Island Line (WIL) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance.
A government spokesman said the WIL project would involve the extension of the existing MTR Island Line from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town with two intermediate stations at Sai Ying Pun and the University of Hong Kong.
The proposed railway line will provide a fast, convenient and reliable means of public transport between Sheung Wan and Kennedy Town. The extension of the MTR network to Kennedy Town will enable residents in Western District to have direct access to the MTR network, saving time for interchange from road transport to the railway network.
The spokesman pointed out that with the new railway line, passengers could travel from Kennedy Town to Sheung Wan in 8 minutes, as compared with 15 to 25 minutes by using road transport during peak hours.
The current scheme will also provide convenient pedestrian passages between the Western Mid-levels and the Des Voeux Road West areas through the unpaid zones within the station premises, thus helping reduce the road traffic congestion. As an additional traffic route cutting short travelling time to other districts, the WIL will promote more economic activities and redevelopment, and will provide impetus for rejuvenation of the Western District, thus bringing great economic benefits for the society.
Subject to the authorization of the scheme by the Chief Executive in Council, the MTRCL hopes to start construction works in 2009 for completion by 2013/2014.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the right to lodge objections to the railway scheme for the WIL from now until December 27, 2007 and they can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.
The scheme and the relevant plans are available for public inspection at the Central and Western District Office and the District Lands Office/Hong Kong West and South during office hours.
A copy of the scheme and the Plans may be purchased from the Railway Development Office of the Highways Department. Enquiries on purchasing details can be made to the Highways Department on telephone number 2762 3976. The electronic version of the scheme and the Plans are viewable on the Highways Departmentˇ¦s website (http://www.hyd.gov.hk/eng/major/road/rail/index.htm).
Further enquiries regarding the scheme can be addressed to the Highways Department on telephone number 2762 4086 or to the Transport and Housing Bureau on telephone number 2189 2132 during office hours.
Ends/Friday, October 26, 2007
Issued at HKT 09:35
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