TNAG-0772-FCO40-976-Modernisation-and-electrification-of-the-Kowloon-Canton-Rail-1978 — Page 167

C.S. 166

XCC(78)9

(c)

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a loop line from the north of Sha Tin Station, together with a new Racecourse Station, to serve the Sha Tin Racecourse. This is expected to be ready in time for the opening of the new race course in the autumn of 1978.

Further Proposals for Expanding and Modernising

the Railway

Appointment of Consultants

7

Despite the improvements outlined in paragraphs 2 to 6 above, the Government has been concerned that the existing traction system and rolling stock might not be sufficient for the future role envisaged for KCR as a modern, multi-functional railway playing an important role in the overall transport requirements of Hong Kong. With:

(a)

(b)

the population of Sha Tin being planned to reach 500,000 by the late 1980s and further development expected in the areas north of Sha Tin; and

increasing demands for the movement of freight and international passengers;

the Government has appreciated the necessity of ensuring that transport services linking the eastern corridor of the New Territories with the main centres in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island should be able to cope with the projected demand. The quickest and most economical method of dealing with the transport requirements for the expanding population in this corridor, and of Sha Tin New Town in particular, seemed to be through increasing the carrying capacity of the KCR, bearing in mind the limited scope for additional road capacity, the lead time before any extension of the MTR could be constructed and the heavy costs such an extension would entail.

8

Consequently, in January 1977, the Government appointed consultants, Transmark Limited, a subsidiary of British Rail, to carry out a study into the modernisation and expansion of the railway." The most notable requirements of the study were for the consultants to:

(a)

(b)

examine and report on the engineering feasibility, order of cost and economic viability of various additional lines and connections;

make recommendations on the most suitable location for new stations to satisfy future development; and

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