By Lam Sai Hung
Hong Kong has a solid competitive edge when it comes to its status as an international transportation, aviation and maritime centre, as well as a regional logistics hub, due to the strong support from the Central Government and long-established global connections.
On land, railways will continue to be the backbone of our public transport system. A number of railway and road projects are underway to meet Hong Kong’s long-term development needs. We are also promoting smart mobility, improving road safety and fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. For air transport, we strive to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an aviation hub, both internationally and regionally.
FUTURE TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT
As recommended in the Strategic Studies on Railways and Major Roads Beyond 2030 (RMR2030+), the three strategic railway projects and three major road projects include Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai); Central Rail Link; Tseung Kwan O Line Southern Extension; as well as Northern Metropolis Highway; Shatin Bypass; and Tseung Kwan O-Yau Tong Tunnel.
Three strategic railway projects and three major road projects recommended in the RMR2030+; image by Transport and Logistics Bureau
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is also pursuing to enhance HKIA’s competitiveness, including giving support to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). AAHK is proceeding with the construction of the Three-Runway System (3RS)—the scale of which is almost equal to the construction of a new airport. Apart from reclaiming about 650 hectares of land and building a new, 3,800-metre runway, the works also include new terminal buildings, a new automated people mover system and a new high-speed baggage handling system. Targeted for completion in 2024, the 3RS is expected to increase HKIA’s handling capacity to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of air cargo annually from 2035 onwards, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.
The Airport City vision; image by Transport and Logistics Bureau
Additionally, we look forward to further cooperation with other cities in the Greater Bay Area to capitalise on our respective advantages and achieve greater synergy in passenger and cargo transport, as well as development of the aviation sector.
LAM SAI HUNG, GBS, JP, FICE, FHKIE
Secretary for Transport and Logistics, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Since he joined the Government in 1983, Mr Lam has worked in different works departments and bureaux, participating in various public works projects including bridges; roads; railways; and site formation. He served as Director of Civil Engineering and Development in August 2016, overseeing the planning and implementation of new development areas and major infrastructures. From October 2018 to October 2021, he was Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) overseeing public works policy and infrastructural development. Mr Lam was appointed as Secretary for Transport and Logistics in July 2022.
This is an excerpt. The original article is published in
Construction+ Q2 2023 Issue: Infrastructure & Transport.
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