Mass Transit Railway Corporation wins Tung Chung Cable Car Project

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) has been selected by the government to proceed with the next stage of the development of a major tourist attraction - the Tung Cable Car Project on Lantau Island.

The government will enter into a Provisional Agreement with the MTRC this month to enable the company to begin the detailed design of the cable car system, which will link Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, and other statutory procedures including an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Under the company's proposal, the system will cover a distance of about 5.5 kilometres from the Tung Chung town centre to Ngong Ping, near the site of the Big Buddha. A single trip will take about 17 minutes.

The MTRC plans to invest initially about HK$750 million in developing the project. Around 300 jobs will be created during the construction phase and another 300 once the system is operational.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Rebecca Lai, said today (July 3): "We are delighted to have reached a new phase in the implementation of the Tung Chung Cable Car Project. With the completion of the assessment and the selection of MTRCL as the successful proponent, we are able to work closely with the company to bring forward the development of the cable car system.

"On completion of the system in 2005, Hong Kong will have yet another exciting addition to our major tourist attractions after Hong Kong Disneyland and the Hong Kong Wetland Park."

Mrs Lai said that with the cable car crossing over one of the most attractive green areas, it would allow residents and visitors to appreciate and experience the natural heritage of Hong Kong.

The number of visitors to Ngong Ping is expected to grow to some 1.92 million in 2006 as a result of the cable car system. It will also enhance links between Ngong Ping and other attractions on the island.

As a result of the project, there will also be a need to bring forward the enhancement of facilities at Ngong Ping and the development of complementary tourist facilities in the area.

To ensure that these dovetail with the development of the cable car system, the government will discuss with the MTRC the details of a private treaty grant for awarding the rights to the company to develop these facilities.

Mrs Lai said the government had identified a number of initiatives to accelerate the programme for the implementation of the project.

"We are pleased that the MTRC has confirmed their full intention to work closely with us to advance the target completion of the system from March 2006 to August 2005," she said.

Once all formalities have been completed, including enabling legislation at the end of this year and the execution of a project agreement, the 30-year franchise will be formally awarded in July 2003.

Photo: proposed alignment of Tung Chung Cable Car System.

Ends/Wednesday, July 3, 2002