It will be difficult to extend the proposed East Kowloon Line from Po Tat Estate to Lam Tin, and Yau Tong areas owing to the hilly topography with a significant level difference, said Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung.
Lam's remark came after lawmaker Tang Ka-piu asked Wednesday if authorities will consider connecting the EKL terminus to Lam Tin Station or Yau Tong Station of the MTR Kwun Tong Line to form a loop linkage system in East Kowloon.
Tang also referred to reports that the proposed EKL – adopting the elevated trackless rapid transit system – will only run through areas from Choi Hung to Sau Mau Ping.
The rapid transit system is a different system from the heavy rail system run by MTR's trains.
In the written reply, Lam said the alignment and station locations of the elevated trackless rapid transit system depend on factors including gradient, space for accommodating the elevated structures, construction methods, etc.
“Owing to the hilly topography with a large level difference from Po Tat to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas, extending the rapid transit system from Po Tat Estate at the higher level to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas at the lower level is difficult,” according to Lam.
Lam continued if the rapid transit system was to be extended to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas, it would need to pass by major roads such as Tseung Kwan O Road, the viaducts of Kwun Tong Bypass and Lei Yue Mun Road.
The transport chief noted the space for the construction of the elevated corridor and stations is very limited, and the technical feasibility is relatively low.
Lam went on to say that the underground heavy rail system will not be a practical option for EKL, as it would take a longer time for citizens to travel between the ground level and the train platforms deep underground.
“We are now exploring an elevated trackless rapid transit system from Po Tat via Sau Mau Ping, Shun On, Shun Lee, and Choi Wan connecting with Choi Hung MTR Station as an alternative,” Lam said.
The rapid transit system being explored will operate on an elevated corridor to be completely separated from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. And it will not be affected by heavy traffic at Clear Water Bay Road, New Clear Water Bay Road, and Choi Hung Interchange, Lam pointed out.
Tang also referred to reports that the proposed EKL – adopting the elevated trackless rapid transit system – will only run through areas from Choi Hung to Sau Mau Ping.
The rapid transit system is a different system from the heavy rail system run by MTR's trains.
In the written reply, Lam said the alignment and station locations of the elevated trackless rapid transit system depend on factors including gradient, space for accommodating the elevated structures, construction methods, etc.
“Owing to the hilly topography with a large level difference from Po Tat to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas, extending the rapid transit system from Po Tat Estate at the higher level to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas at the lower level is difficult,” according to Lam.
Lam continued if the rapid transit system was to be extended to Lam Tin and Yau Tong areas, it would need to pass by major roads such as Tseung Kwan O Road, the viaducts of Kwun Tong Bypass and Lei Yue Mun Road.
The transport chief noted the space for the construction of the elevated corridor and stations is very limited, and the technical feasibility is relatively low.
Lam went on to say that the underground heavy rail system will not be a practical option for EKL, as it would take a longer time for citizens to travel between the ground level and the train platforms deep underground.
“We are now exploring an elevated trackless rapid transit system from Po Tat via Sau Mau Ping, Shun On, Shun Lee, and Choi Wan connecting with Choi Hung MTR Station as an alternative,” Lam said.
The rapid transit system being explored will operate on an elevated corridor to be completely separated from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. And it will not be affected by heavy traffic at Clear Water Bay Road, New Clear Water Bay Road, and Choi Hung Interchange, Lam pointed out.