TNAG-0639-FCO40-787-Construction-of-underground-railway-system-in-Hong-Kong-(Mas-1978 — Page 9

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

ANNEX B

Summary of procedures regarding the location of Mass Transit Reilway structures and the alienation of the associated land to the Mass Transit kailway Corpora- tion both for railway and development purposes

1.

The alignment of the railway and the location of its stations and other structures were very carefully drawn up by the Public Works Department following the completion of the Mass Transit Railway Further Studies. In determining the alignment of the railway and the siting of its structures, the principles adopted were to maximise patronage while minimising land requirements. This is the "protected" alignment.

2.

During the subsequent design stage of any section of the railway, each railway structure is separately examined to ensure its efficient and effective use of land, its environmental (and in some cases, aesthetic) effect on the neighbourhood and, for station entrances, the manner in which they can best be integrated with surface public transport and transport facilities and the surrounding development and to cause as little inter- ference as possible with the public and the rights of private owner. Particular attention is paid to prewar structures where foundations are likely to be insubstan- tial and the general structural condition unsound, by assessing the effect of adjacent railway construction on these buildings.

3.

All these matters are considered by an inter- departmental committee chaired by the Mass Transit Adviser which includes representatives from the Director of Fire Services, the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for Transport, and the Director of Engineering, Mass Transit Railway Corporation, as well as heads of various P.W.D. offices. Where the railway alignment lies in the New Territories, representatives of the Secretary for the New Territories and the Director of New Territories Development Department are also included in the member- ship of this committee.

4.

Following the recommendations of this committee, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation translates the agreed railway structures and their effect on adjacent property into both permanent and temporary land requirements and submits applications for land, including works areas, to the Mass Transit Adviser stating the intended use of the sites and enclosing sketch plans.

15.

CONFIDENTIAL

機密