20.
To summarise, the Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui loop will support further development in the NENT and will help to relieve pressure on the Kowloon Tong interchange and the MTR Nathan Road Corridor. It will, thus, strengthen our railway network.
In addition to the proposed KCR extension to Hung Hom, the RDS also envisages that, dependent upon the scale and programme for land development in the Southeast Kowloon and the Kai Tak site when the airport has been relocated, an Intermediate Capacity System (ICS) from Diamond Hill to Hung Hom may be required to serve that area. This is currently under investigation under the Southeast Kowloon Reclamation Development Study. Any link to Kowloon City will have to be examined in that context.
Mr President, may I now briefly comment on the Administration's plans regarding the construction of new railway lines.
The three high priority railways identified in the RDS are all massive projects. Together with the two railway corporations and our own consultants, we are now conducting detailed feasibility studies to see how best they can be implemented by 2001. Taking into account the multi-billion dollar capital costs involved, land resumption requirements as well as staffing and other resource implications, it would be totally unrealistic to commit ourselves to, let alone embark on the construction of, yet more railway projects, all at the same time.
Notwithstanding this, the Administration will continue to look forward and plan ahead. Indeed the RDS has identified many longer term railway proposals to match development and population growth. These proposals, together with any others that may be put forward, will be carefully assessed and regularly reviewed so that timely decisions on their implementation can be taken.
End/Wednesday, November 15, 1995
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