TNAG-0424-FCO40-470-Construction-of-an-underground-railway-system-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 206

XCS(73)8

(e)

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(f)

the additional work outlined in paragraph 33 of the memorandum should be undertaken;

arrangements should proceed for the setting up of a Mass Transit Railway Corporation along the lines set out in paragraphs 28 30 of the memorandum; and

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(g) draft legislation should be prepared as soon as

possible to provide for the matters described in paragraph 34 of the memorandum.

Honourable Members also noted that, upon completion of the further consultations referred to under (c) above, a further memorandum would be submitted to them by the end of April setting out detailed recommendations regarding the financing, construction and operation of the Mass Transit Railway.

Summary of Developments Since February 1973

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Two rounds of consultations have now been held with each of the four consortia concerned, and the results will be considered later in this memorandum. In the meantime, Honourable Members may wish to note the present position with regard to the following items of preparatory work on which action has been continuing:

(a)

Investigation and Design

The Consulting Engineers have continued their investigation and design of the first four stages, the overall definition of which has been examined and modified. In particular, Honourable Members may wish to note that:

(i) for planning purposes, the Steering Group has

decided to replace Mong Kok Station by two stations at Prince Edward and Argyle, with a view to spreading the passenger loadings at the very busy Mong Kok Junction;

(ii) the Steering Group has also decided to incorporate

into the first four stages Chater Station and the tine from Chater to Admiralty, both originally in Stage 5, to ensure that the cross-harbour section could be commissioned at the earliest possible date, and to enable all work in the central business area to be undertaken within a relatively short period of time; and

(iii) consideration is being given to providing air-

conditioning at stations as well as on trains.

The design of 15 stations (out of the total of 22) is in hand, and for five of these general arrangement drawings have been completed. Surveys of the areas required for the first four stages have also been completed, and accurate alignment drawings covering the first two stages are being finalised.

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