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As regards the specific points raised:
(a)
The land resumption and clearance costs involved are estimated to be in the order of $5.4 billion (Money of the Day). This has not been included in the estimated capital cost of $75 billion, as the intention is that Government will meet the costs of making the land available for the railway right-of-way.
A breakdown of the capital cost, as given by KCRC, is set out below:
Facilities (stations, depots etc)
Railway (line segments,
viaducts, tunnels etc)
Rough Indication of Cost
($B) (Money of the Day)
25.3
27.0
Systems (signalling, power,
4.4
communications and fare
collection)
Rolling Stock (train cars)
Financing
Project Reserve
4.3
7.5
6.1
74.6 say 75.0
(b)
It should be stressed that $75 billion is KCRC's estimate and a preliminary one at that. The figure will need to be refined in the light of detailed planning, engineering and financial studies and in-depth discussions with Government.
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Consistent with KCRC's and Hong Kong Government's procurement policies for major projects, consultants will be selected through a competitive, open tender process. Both local and international firms have been invited to prequalify to tender for the preliminary engineering design of the WCR project. Of the more than 200 firms which have expressed interest in the KCRC's invitation, some 40% are Hong Kong based companies.