28 November, 2006
The Honourable Donald Tsang, GBM
Chief Executive
Chief Executive¡¦s Office
Government House
Hong Kong
Expediting railway work
Further to the meeting with you at the Government House on 27 November 2006, I would summarise the points made to you for your necessary actions.
For the past few years, a number of planned railway projects including the Sha Tin to Central Link, have been kept under wrap pending the merger of the two railway corporations. With the emergence of a clearer picture in the merger, these projects should be put back on track as soon as possible. Apart from the Sha Tin to Central Link, priority should also be given to the construction of a South Island Line and the Western Extension of Island Line. The recent start of the redevelopment of Ocean Park and the approval already given to the development of 10 hotels in Southern District have further justified the urgency of the former.
The construction of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail should be expedited too. Government¡¦s proposal of running the express train service on tracks of the existing West Rail is a non-starter. The Express Rail ought to have a separate route alignment so as to allow the trains to run at full speed in Hong Kong section. A city to city express train service should never be connected to a local urban train system!
Considering the importance of these railway projects, the government must ensure that the coming merged operations of the two railway companies will not lead to any redundancies of their technical and professional staff. Their expertise will be crucial for speedy delivery of these projects. We must not repeat the mistake made in the 1980s. At the time, there was an exodus of local railway professionals to other countries as our railway development came to a halt after the completion of the Mass Initial System of the MTR. We must not do anything to undermine what we have achieved through years of localisation of two railway companies.
I understand that you always attach great importance to infrastructure investment. Railway development will definitely merit your urgent attention.
(signed)
Ir Dr the Hon Raymond Ho Chung-tai