XN000022-1994-12-14 — Page 6

East Kowloon Route:

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It would comprise an underground extension of the existing KCR line from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui and a rail link from Ma On Shan to Tai Wai. (A further extension of the KCR line from Tsim Sha Tsui to West Kowloon, and a rail link from Diamond Hill to Hung Hom via the Kowloon Bay reclamation could be considered at a later stage.)

As a rough indication, the total cost of the three high priority projects is expected to be in the range of $50 billion - $56 billion (at 1994 prices).

The Strategy also recommends that construction of three new rail lines on Hong Kong Island should be considered in the future. They are the South Island Line from Ap Lei Chau to Tamar, the West Island Line from Sheung Wan to Green Island and the North Island Line from Tin Hau to Central via the Central and Wanchai Reclamation.

The Strategy lists, as long-term options, the proposals to build an outer Western Corridor from Tuen Mun to Green Island via Yam O on Lantau and a second Port Rail Line from Yuen Long to Lantau.

The timing for implementing these longer-term projects will be dependent on future land reclamation and development plans.

With regard to the three high priority projects, Mr Barma said: "The next step will be for the Government to invite proposals from the KCRC and the MTRC to build the Western Corridor Railway and the MTR Tseung Kwan O extension respectively."

中申

Further investigation will be needed for the East Kowloon Route proposal.

Mr Barma said: "Since most of the expenditure for these projects will occur after 1997, the Chinese side of the Joint Liaison Group has been briefed on the Strategy.

"They will be fully consulted at a later stage when we have details of the proposed timing, scope and financing of each project before decisions are taken on their implementation.