Explainer | Will Hong Kong’s major infrastructure projects cater to people’s needs?
- There are four major projects in the city: the Sha Tin-Central rail link, Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai checkpoint, Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin tunnel and Central Kowloon Route
- Commuter concern group spokesperson Quentin Cheng says government should redevelop old towns so people do not have to go to Kowloon or Central for work
The long-awaited Sha Tin-Central rail link, Hong Kong’s most expensive rail project, partially opened on Valentine’s Day, running between Tai Wai and Kai Tak through Hin Keng and Diamond Hill.
The partial opening provided passengers with a more efficient and convenient access from the New Territories East to East Kowloon and Hong Kong Island East.
As the city’s population is expected to burgeon from the present 7.5 million to 7.78 million by 2025, concerns have been raised over whether Hong Kong’s infrastructure development can cope with the corresponding growth in transport demand.
With the Hong Kong government’s track record of bad economic projections, cost overruns, and project delays, the question remains whether various new infrastructure projects will cater adequately to the needs of Hongkongers. The coronavirus outbreak also poses daunting challenge for these projects.
What are the key infrastructure projects in place for Hong Kong in the next five years?