Executive Council approves implementation of Tung Chung Line Extension
**********************************************************************
The TUE mainly comprises two sections, viz. "Tung Chung East (TCE) Section" and "Tung Chung West (TCW) Section". TCE Section includes the construction of the TCE Station at TCE reclamation area between the existing Sunny Bay Station and Tung Chung Station and approximately 1.2-kilometre long railway track re-alignment for the existing Tung Chung Line (TCL). TCE Station is an above-ground station with an elevated concourse. TCW Section is an approximately 1.3-kilometre long westward extension from the existing railway tunnels of Tung Chung Station with the construction of the TCW Station at the west of Yat Tung Estate. TCW Station is an underground station and will become the new terminal station of TCL.
A Government spokesman said, "The Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) in TCW and TCE areas is one of the important medium-to-long term sources of land supply in Hong Kong to meet housing, economic and social needs. The TUE will offer direct railway access to the TCNTE to support the long-term, sustainable growth in population and employment opportunities in that area. Upon the commissioning of the TUE, compared with road-based transport, the journey times from TCW Station and TCE Station to Tsim Sha Tsui or Central by railway are expected to be reduced by approximately 12 minutes and 21 minutes respectively."
"The Government and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) have been engaging the relevant local stakeholders, including the District Council members, Tung Chung Rural Committee members, residents' representatives, environmental groups, concerned groups on Lantau Island development, etc, through various modes and channels in the past few years to brief and exchange views on the TUE. During the period, many local residents expressed their desire for the early implementation of the TUE," the spokesman said.
The original and amended schemes of the TUE were gazetted on December 10, 2021, and June 24, 2022, respectively. Subsequently, the Government received some objections and, in collaboration with MTRCL, has carefully studied the grounds of each objection, met with the objectors to explain the railway scheme and addressed their concerns with a view to allaying their doubts. The Government has submitted the objections to the Executive Council for consideration.
"The MTRCL will continue to maintain close communication with the concerned local stakeholders. During the implementing of the TUE, community liaison groups comprising representatives of the concerned and affected local parties such as owners' committees, management offices and local organisations will be established. Also, the MTRCL is required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection to minimise the disturbances to the environment to acceptable levels," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:43
Issued at HKT 15:43
NNNN