TNAG-0772-FCO40-976-Modernisation-and-electrification-of-the-Kowloon-Canton-Rail-1978 — Page 74

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I believe that the capacity of the present route could be increased by an amount in excess of 70% by taking certain measures which would accommodate traffic growth for a good number of years but which would not prevent the construction of a second line at a later date should this be necessary.

In principle, the measures suggested are:

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Electrification of the route to provide maximum flexibility, economy and reliability of train working, design of an overhead system and power supply compatible with the Kowloon Canton Railway.

Study of future traffic growth patterns to determine the relationship between freight and passenger movements between Hong Kong and China, the growth of urban travel in Hong Kong south of the border and the potential for growth of urban travel in China south of Kwangchow.

Increase of line speed to between 120 and 140 km.p.h. and study of present limiting curves to estimate cost of improvement.

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Improve the layout of existing passing places and possibly provide a few additional passing places to suit the planned train service.

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Provide a new electric signalling system, centrally controlled, to maximise the capacity of the modernised line.

Consider the question of safety at the many level crossings on the line and the possibility of limiting the use of the lineside as a route for people to walk.

I must emphasise that these are only very early conclusions. We would like some more time to study the information which we have obtained and I will arrange for Transmark to place before you, by the end of December, proposals for the more detailed studies which will be necessary to determine the most economic method by which this very important line should be modernised.

We were most happy to have this opportunity to study this problem with the Deputy Director in Kwangchow and I would value your thoughts on these early conclusions and your confirmation to me in London that you will.consider our further detailed proposals.

Yours uncaly

I.M. Campbell

Chief Executive British Railways