Hong Kong West Rail officially operational
( 2003-12-21 10:53) (Xinhua)
Hong Kong's 30.5-km West Rail officially opened Saturday to provide more
convenient transport for the public from New Territories to Kowloon.
Officiating the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said that the
new rail line will also further the development of the northwest New
Territories. He added the government will continue investing in transport
infrastructure within Hong Kong as well as connections with the mainland.
Such projects, which include the construction of several rails and express
rails between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, will further enhance the flow of people
and goods in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, enabling sustained economic
growth, said Tung.
The West Rail has nine stations, running from Nam Cheong to Tuen Mun. It is
the largest infrastructure project since the Hong Kong International Airport.
The architects said they have made every effort to develop the West Rail into an
advanced, comfortable and environment-friendly rail.
Regarding travelers' words that the train trembled heavily in certain
sections, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation Chairman Michael Tien said that
safety is the first step in the beginning and there will be further works to
readjust the rail to make it comfortable.
Tien also told reporters Saturday that another rail, the Ma On Shan Rail,
will come into operation in early 2004 and that the construction of other rails
is also progressing well.
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