The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) unveiled today (May 16) a new blueprint for railway development for Hong Kong up to the year 2016.

Mr. Nicholas Ng, Secretary for Transport, said the "Railway Development Strategy 2000" involving the building of six new railways would cost around C$19 billion.

He said the strategy is aimed at meeting Hong Kong's transport needs arising from an expected population of 8.9 million by 2016 and the increasing social and economic activities with the Mainland.

The Strategy recommends a number of new railway schemes which can be combined with the existing lines to form the preferred Railway Network by the year 2016.

Six existing railway projects are already underway and will be completed between 2002 and 2005 at a cost of more than C$19 billion. The six new rail projects announced today would further reinforce the transportation network.

"The programme, targetted for completion between 2008 and 2016, will help to provide the Hong Kong public with convenient access to the railway system and much faster and reliable travel throughout the SAR with reduction in reliance on road based transport," Mr. Ng said.

Completion of the railway expansion programme according to the Strategy will increase Hong Kong's railway network by at least 70 per cent compared with today to over 250 kilometres.

More than 70 per cent of the residents and 80 per cent of the employment will then be within walking distance from the railway stations. The rail share in the public transport patronage will increase to about 45 per cent.

Mr. Ng said the new schemes offer scope for international contractors to become involved in the next round of world-class projects.

Railways are environmentally friendly and efficient mass carriers and will remain as the backbone of Hong Kong's transport system, he added.

For further information please contact Chief Information Officer, Frank Chuan.

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