G.F. 326
29.
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DC for T noted that double-tracking of the Canton-Shenzhen railways had been completed except for certain river crossings, for which no target dates appeared to have been
fixed. The Chinese authorities envisaged a threefold
increase in capacity, but it was not known what impact the river-crossings would have. He suspected it would be greater than anticipated. CS suggested that the KCRC be asked to analyse this.
Action: S for T
30.
31.
32.
DC for T said that there had been much talk of
electrification, but there were still no firm target
dates. Given the serious problem of power shortages, he
considered electrification to be a waste of power.
DC for T said that roads were not of high standards, although the planned superhighway would be a Class I road. The road from Canton to Shenzhen was holding up
well to intensive use. But the standard of new roads
(especially in Canton) was poor, in terms of structure, quality and environmental considerations. Some roads, constructed from unreinforced concrete slabs, were simply
inadequate and would cause problems in future. The Chinese authorities all appeared firmly committed to a completion date of 1990 for the superhighway, but Hong Kong's engineers doubted that this could be achieved. There appeared to be no firm planning for the river crossings.
DC for T pointed out that 80% of freight was carried by
water. The authorities wished to expand Canton port, (run by the municipality), but regular dredging in particular would be very expensive. Huangpu port, (nationally run and partly funded by the World Bank) appeared more efficient and had better access. Although the latter would expand, it would continue to be a feeder for Hong
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