Talks on new cross-border rail link underway: govt

The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Frank Chan, said talks were already underway with mainland authorities over plans to build a new cross-border rail link connecting Hong Kong and Qianhai.

The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway will link Hung Shui Kiu to the special economic zone in Shenzhen. It’s one of five rail projects linked to the Northern Metropolis proposal unveiled by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in her policy address on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Chan revealed that he had had a meeting with Shenzhen officials over the proposed project during which they had set up a research team to look into the plan.

He said the first stage of their study, which will focus on feasibility and the strategic value of the project, will be completed by next year, and officials will look at the actual routes and more detailed planning in the next stage.

Chan said the price tag of the rail link will depend on the routes.