SINGAPORE, 12 OCTOBER 2009 - Hong Kong’s transport and housing department has proposed building the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL). The government is focusing on the further development of its express rail network and realises that if it doesn’t act fast, it will not be able to offer the economic and social benefits driven by high-speed railways.
Reduces pollution, creates new jobs
High-speed rail is good for the environment because it can reduce more carbon emission than the level generated by flight trips. Trains are more energy efficient than cars and Hong Kong has already successfully moved more than one third of commuters’ daily trips on their railways.
Hong Kong’s express rail network takes a great strain off their roads and will continue doing so once the proposed rail line in tunnels has been laid. This initiative will further minimise the impact of fuel emission on the environment.
The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) is expected to dramatically change regional travel in the future. An express shuttle service between Hong Kong’s neighbouring cities will relieve congestion at the current boundary crossings and create “one hour economic and living sphere” between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.
Hong Kong plans to provide train service to 16 major mainland cities from the heart of the city centre. The high-speed railway terminus will be located in West Kowloon to offer a competitive alternative to air travel to cities within a radius of 1,000 km from Hong Kong. The government hopes linking all these cities with such an environmentally-friendly mode of transport will contribute to future economic development.
The government projects huge economic benefits to Hong Kong with its XRL project. Eva Cheng, secretary for transport and housing said more than HK$80 billion will be saved from reducing journey time alone over 50 years. The new high-speed rail link will also provide employment for thousands of Hong Kong residents. This project will also create thousands of construction jobs once funds are approved.
Construction to begin in 2009
Preparations are in full swing to make this dream a reality and the government aims to begin construction before the end of the year. The XRL will terminate at West Kowloon and comprehensive pedestrian facilities will be built to link the terminus with its surrounding areas. The aim is to give comfortable walking environment to the travellers transiting these facilities. This initiative will make this area a strategic business and transportation hub for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong government expects the XRL project, in addition to other 10 major infrastructure projects, will maintain its competitiveness and consolidate its status as a global city.
