Hong Kong’s key decision-making body has approved plans for an elevated smart mass transit railway system in Kai Tak that will connect the cruise terminal and other major facilities in the area to the local MTR station.
The Executive Council’s endorsement followed meetings by authorities with the project’s critics and consultations with the public and the Legislative Council to address their concerns. The proposal was gazetted in July last year.
“The public is generally supportive of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak project,” a government spokesman said. “All of the unwithdrawn objections have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.”
The open tender for the project was launched last October, with authorities aiming to commission the railway in 2031.
The successful bidder will be granted property development rights in the surrounding areas to help provide long-term funding support.
The 3.5km (2.2 mile) route will connect Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Kai Tak MTR station, with stops at Shing King Street, Kai Tak Sky Garden, Shing Fung Road Park and Kai Tak Sports Park.
The complete journey will take 10 minutes, and the route is expected to serve 50,000 people daily.
