Councilors criticize the proposed East Kowloon Line for "shrunk" Liao Chun-sun of the Transport Bureau: some areas have large ups and downs

The government is discussing the construction of the East Kowloon Line with an elevated trackless MRT system to connect Choi Hung to the Sau Mau Ping area, and the feasibility study will be completed next year.

A number of members of the Legislative Council questioned that the proposed alignment of the East Kowloon Line failed to connect Lam Tin and Tseung Kwan O, and criticized the plan as "greatly discounted" and "shrunk".

Representatives denounce the plan as "shrunk" and reduce the effectiveness of the railway without circulation

Deng Jiapiu of the Federation of Trade Unions who raised an oral question at the Legislative Council meeting pointed out that after nine years, there is finally a proposed plan to let the residents of Choi Hung and Si Shun Village, namely Shun Shun Village, Shun On Village, Shun Tin Village and Shun Chi Court Choose, but think that the construction of the East Kowloon Line reflects the slow and expensive construction of the railway by the government, and requires the authorities to promise to use mainland technology to speed up the progress, so that the system will be completed in 2030.

Yao Pak-leung from the tourism industry described the proposed route of the East Kowloon Line as "greatly discounted", saying that residents expect the new line to pass through Lam Tin, Po Tat, Choi Hung, and even connect to Po Lam, but the current route is "less a large section". Ask whether the authorities will have a definite construction timetable?

Lu Songxiong of the Federation of Trade Unions also pointed out that the proposed route failed to achieve circulation and "double connection", which limited the effectiveness of the railway system.

Acting Secretary of Transport and Logistics Liao Chun-sun said that it is expected to complete the feasibility, financial and technical studies of the East Kowloon Line in the middle of next year. At that time, the future direction and exact suggestions will be announced. It can be completed, please be patient with Members," admitting that the details of the plan will be explained as soon as possible in the middle of next year.

As for the reason for the "less a large section" of the route, he pointed out that the mountain range between Po Tat and Lam Tin has large ups and downs. .

At the same time, if the MRT system is extended to the area of ​​Lam Tin and Yau Tong, major roads such as Tseung Kwan O Road, Kwun Tong Bypass, Viaduct, and Lei Yue Mun Road will need to be bypassed. The authorities believe that the height and station space in this area are limited, and they are frankly feasible Low.

Yang Yongjie suggested that the authorities build the railway independently.

(Photo by Yu Junliang)

"A4 Alliance" Yang Yongjie questioned the similar height, mountain and road design between Anderson Road and Tsz Wan Shan. He did not understand why the proposed route can pass through Anderson Road, but it is difficult to connect Tsz Wan Shan. He also suggested that the authorities build a railway independently. Depart from Zhuyuan, pass Zhuyuan Road, Tsz Wanshan Road, and end at Choi Hung MTR Station.

Liao Zhenxin responded that due to the undulating terrain between Caihong and Tsz Wanshan, and Baoda and Lam Tin, the height difference is close to 100 meters. If the underground railway system is used, a deeper tunnel needs to be built. He reiterated that if the elevated trackless transfer system is used, climbing Capability is better than heavy MTR.

Ye Liu questioned that the MTR would not build a railway without land

Ye Liu Shuyi, the convener of the New Democratic Party, questioned that MTR did not start the construction plan of the East Kowloon Line because of insufficient land allocation: "In fact, if there is land for MTR, will it be faster? Because MTR's high-level I once told us in the area: "Do you think of the Southern District Line? Tell the government to let us build more places!" The Siu Ho Wan depot is so complicated that he (MTR) has done it. Explain the East Rail Line How difficult is it to push?” Liao Zhenxin only responded that he had not discussed related issues with MTR, emphasizing that he did not believe that the land arrangement could change the technical feasibility.

Ye Liushuyi questioned that MTR has not started the East Kowloon Line construction plan due to insufficient land allocation.

(Photo by Zhang Haowei)

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