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The Government published in the Gazette today (July 24) the railway scheme for the South Island Line (East) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance.
The South Island Line (SIL) is one of the major infrastructure projects the Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address in October 2007.
A government spokesman said that under the SIL (East) project, the proposed railway line would be a seven-kilometre long medium capacity railway, providing domestic passenger service between Admiralty and South Horizons with three intermediate stations near the Ocean Park, and at Wong Chuk Hang and Lei Tung Estate. The railway would run in tunnels and viaducts according to topography.
"The proposed railway line will help reduce traffic on the road in the Southern District, particularly at the Aberdeen Tunnel. Passengers will be able to travel from South Horizons to Admiralty in about nine minutes, as compared with 25 to 45 minutes by using road-based transport during rush hours," he said.
"Upon completion, the SIL (East) will enhance the railway network on Hong Kong Island, save travelling time for residents of the Southern District and facilitate tourism and commercial developments in the district," he said.
The Government and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) have conducted extensive public consultation since early 2008 in collaboration with the Southern District Council. The local community, including the District Council, was briefed on the proposed railway scheme and provided a lot of useful comments which had been included in the proposal, where appropriate. Roving exhibitions were held in community centres and shopping malls. The Government and the MTRCL also attended a number of forums organised by residents and exchanged views with them on the project.
Subject to the authorisation of the scheme by the Chief Executive in Council, the construction works are expected to begin in 2011 for completion by 2015. "While complying with the statutory procedures, we will continue to press ahead with the project for early start of construction and completion," the spokesman said.
Once the proposed railway scheme is gazetted under the Railways Ordinance (Cap 519), the MTRCL will proceed with the detailed design and further planning of the project. The Government will continue to conduct public engagement and further explain to the District Councillors and local community on the proposed railway scheme.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the right to lodge objections to the railway scheme for the SIL (East) from now until September 22 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, Southern, and Wan Chai District Offices and the District Lands Offices of Hong Kong West and South, and Hong Kong East, 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 at telephone number 2762 3976. The electronic version of the scheme and the plans are available on the Highways Department's website (www.hyd.gov.hk/eng/major/road/rail/index.htm).
Further enquiries regarding the scheme can be addressed to the Highways Department at telephone number 2762 3579 or to the Transport and Housing Bureau at telephone number 2189 2132 during office hours.
Ends/Friday, July 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:00
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