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The Government published in the Gazette today (June 4) under section 7 of the Railways Ordinance proposed amendments to the South Island Line (East) (SIL (East)) scheme.
The SIL (East) scheme gazetted in July 2009 includes a seven-kilometre-long medium capacity railway, providing domestic passenger service between Admiralty and South Horizons with three intermediate stations near Ocean Park, at Wong Chuk Hang and at Lei Tung Estate. The railway will run in tunnels and viaducts according to topography. The SIL (East) will help reduce traffic on the road in the Southern District, particularly at the Aberdeen Tunnel, and 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.
The Government and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) have been in close contact with the Southern District Council and major stakeholders on reviewing the scheme design.
"Many of the proposed amendments gazetted are to address public concerns expressed after the proposed SIL (East) scheme was gazetted in July 2009. Some are to accommodate the latest changes and improvement measures proposed by the MTRCL which has been carrying out the detailed design of the SIL (East)," a Government spokesman said.
The Government and the MTRCL will continue to engage the local community closely on the SIL (East). Subject to the authorisation of the SIL (East) scheme by the Chief Executive in Council, the MTRCL will start the construction works in 2011 for completion in 2015.
Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the right to lodge objections to the amendments to the SIL (East) scheme gazetted today from now until August 3, 2010. Any person who has a compensatable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.
The amendments to the scheme and the relevant plans are available for public inspection at the Central and Western District Office, Southern District Office, Wan Chai District Office, the District Lands Office of Hong Kong West and South, and the District Lands Office Hong Kong East, during office hours.
A copy of the Amendments to Scheme and the Amendment 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 Amendments to Scheme and the Amendment Plans are viewable on the Highways Department's website (www.hyd.gov.hk/eng/major/road/rail/index.htm).
Further enquiries regarding the amendments to 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 2133 during office hours.
Ends/Friday, June 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:31
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