1976-1977 — Page 9

16.

The construction of an oil unloading siding at Fo Tan was 90% complete at the end of the year and it was expected to open in April 1977. It will provide unloading and storage facilities for diesel oil and dry goods coming from China. The yard might also be used for unloading kerosene

and liquid petroleum gas.

17.

The construction of a Marshalling Yard at Lo Wu was well under way during the year and was expected to be completed in early 1978, at which time freight trains currently marshalled in China would be marshalled in Hong Kong. Although it should have been the responsibility of the Kowloon- Canton Railway to marshal freight wagons coming from China, according to their destination and commodities to facilitate unloading, the Chinese had so far undertaken the responsibility because of the lack of such a yard in Hong Kong. In view of the increasing volume of freight destined for Hong Kong, the Chinese authorities had found it difficult to continue this activity and as a result it was necessary to build the marshalling yard. Although the yard should become fully operational in 1978, four sidings will be ready for use in November 1977.

18.

Investigation started during the year on the possibility of building a second tunnel through the Lion Rock at Beacon Hill adjacent to the existing tunnel to enable the double tracking between Hung Hom and Sha Tin to be fully exploited. The new tunnel will have two tracks with more gentle gradients and a lower summit. Whereas it is feasible to improve the existing tunnel, this would cause severe disruption to trains and the work would be prolonged. This effect together with the cost of building an additional single bore tunnel would be similar in overall cost to building the proposed new double tracked tunnel and it was therefore decided to build a second tunnel to replace the existing one.

19.

The construction of a station at the new Race Course in Sha Tin started at the end of the year and is expected to be completed in September, 1978, before the Race Course opens.

20.

Other projects in hand include building a loop line and an additional platform and footbridge at Sheung Shui Station and remodelling Sha Tin and Mong Kok Stations as part of a project to double track and modernize the railway. The latter two stations would be part of a complex including offices, shops and other facilities. Work was expected to com- mence on rebuilding them in late 1977.

21.

Consultants from Transmark (Transportation Systems and Market Research Ltd.), a British Railways' subsidiary arrived at the end of 1976 to carry out a study into the modernization and expansion proposals of the Railway and in particular to recommend the most efficient type of traction system, the type of rolling stock which would be necessary, and examine the viability of the following proposed additional lines :

Kowloon Station at Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui;

Tai Wai to the Kwai Chung Container Terminal;

Tai Po Market to the Tai Po Industrial Estate and Shuen Wan;

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