The Government has clearly intended to accord this "Western Corridor" network, which is estimated to cost HK$23. 1 billion at 1992 price and scheduled for completion by 2001, with the highest priority. The port rail line will be an important strategic and commercial decision for Hong Kong in order to maintain its growth and to enhance it role as a business centre and major entreport in southern China.
Obviously, a lot of work will need to be done on this very preliminary proposal before the concept can be translated into firm plans. After consultation with public and interested organisations, the Chinese Government has to be consulted as well before the rail development strategy can be finalised since implementation would take place largely after 1997. After that, discussions would proceed with prospective operator(the KCRC is the most likely operating company), and then further engineering and financial studies would commence as soon as possible.
Other than the Western Corridor, an MTR Extension from Lam Tin to Tseung Kwan O is also recommended as a high priority. scheme in the Railway Development Study, with the government intention to further develop the Tseung Kwan O new town to a population of about 360,000 by 2011. This line is estimated to cost HK$8. 4 billion and scheduled for completion by 2001.
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Separately, it is also interesting to note that several railway development proposals have recently been put forward by leading private property developers in Hong Kong. instance, Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd has proposed to build a light rail line linking Ma On Shan to Cheung Sha Wan, and this proposal is now being studied by the Government's Transport Branch.