TNAG-0424-FCO40-470-Construction-of-an-underground-railway-system-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 207

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XCS(73)8

The outline specification for all electrical and mechanical plant and equipment has been defined in draft form, and the detailed specification of certain equipment (e.g. signalling, train control and telecommunications, rolling stock and automatic fare collection) is well advanced.

(b)

Soils Investigations

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

Two large contracts have been let, one for soils investigations and testing and the other for the construction of four trial tunnels. Work on these contracts began early in June and is expected to be completed by the end of February 1974.

Ventilation Research

The theoretical design of the ventilation and air- conditioning system has been completed, and the principle of air-curtain jets as applied to exhaust ventilation shafts has been satisfactorily proven in model tests. Arrangements are being made for more detailed aero-dynamic tests and computer studies to be undertaken in Britain and in the United States.

Land Acquisition and Clearance

Approximately 70 work and construction sites (out of a possible 120) have so far been identified, and these are being processed for acquisition or clearance. Half the site required for the Kowloon Bay Depot has been successfully cleared.

Utilities Co-ordination

The locations of utility services along the MTR routes have been identified and superimposed on the station plans. The planning of detailed arrangements for the diversion of utility services is expected to begin shortly.

Establishment of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation The powers, functions and organisational structure of the Corporation have been broadly defined. Consideration will shortly be given to detailed arrangements for the recruitment of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the General Manager at the earliest possible date. As these appointments will be critical to the success of the project, candidates should be drawn from the widest possible field.

Legislation

Comprehensive drafting instructions for a Mass Transit Railway (Land Resumption and Acquisition) Bill have been drawn up and agreed among the Government departments concerned. A first draft of the Bill is under preparation and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. The preparation of drafting instructions for a Mass Transit Railway Corporation Bill is also well in hand.

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