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1.
Rail line for the delta bridge is too
costly, says minister
1. Rail line for the delta bridge is too costly, says minister
JIMMY
CHEUNG, SCMP 29 November 2004
The
proposed bridge linking Hong Kong with Macau and Zhuhai will not
incorporate a rail line after studies found it would cost too much,
the central government minister responsible for the project has
revealed.
The
authorities also do not favour the so-called double-Y design, which
would branch out to Shenzhen, despite calls from city officials
there for such a link to boost its economic development.
"[We]
have fully considered the interests of all the cities, in particular
Hong Kong," said Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian
.
Mr
Zhang's comments appear to lay to rest speculation of a possible
Shenzhen link and rail track. They came after Chen Shanru , director-general
of the Development and Reform Commission said in June that none
of the three proposals being
considered for the bridge included a landing point in Shenzhen.
Officials
will discuss details next month and the State Council is then expected
to take six months to scrutinise the project. Construction would
take four years, which means the 28km bridge spanning the Pearl
River Delta would not be ready until mid-2009.
The
idea of a bridge was first floated in the mid-1980s as a way to
boost the economy in the region. But serious studies began only
last year after high-profile lobbying by Hopewell Holdings chief
Sir Gordon Wu Ying-sheung to invest in the $15 billion project.
The
venture soon drew heated debate on whether to include a railway
track and to link neighbouring cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou
for greater economic benefits.
Mr
Zhang said mainland authorities had finished feasibility studies
this month which showed a rail line would not be cost-effective.
"We
have to provide more land for rail and road traffic and consider
issues like whether it's a double-deck or other design. After comparison,
we found that if a railway were to be included, the cost would be
very high," he said.
On
the much-touted double-Y proposal, Mr Zhang confirmed that the bridge
would probably not reach Shenzhen.
"From
the beginning, there were different proposals. But when a choice
has to be made, the authorities have to take into account the development
of the relevant region," he said.
It
is still uncertain if the design details follow the proposals made
by Sir Gordon. He could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Anthony
Wong Fu-wah, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Logistics Association,
said inclusion of a railway might delay construction.
"We
are now talking about speed, adaptability and smaller freight,"
he said.
Even
though a railway helps our operation, the present situation is not
like that." | 
