Hong Kong approves funds for rail link

Law makers in the Hong Kong SAR have approved funding for building a train-line linking Hong Kong with a high-speed rail network linking Guangzhou to Shenzhen, and eventually, the SAR.

After discussions, the plan was approved by 31 votes to 21 on Saturday. Funding includes 7.1 billion US dollars for railway construction, 1.5 billion US dollars for non-railway work and 11 million US dollars for land acquisition and clearance.

Eva Cheng, secretary of Transport and Housing Bureau, HK SAR,said, "The project involves not only transport but also community investment. It is in the best interest of Hong Kong and for future generations."

The construction of the express link will also bring business opportunities and create jobs.

A Hong Kong resident said, "The express rail project not only favors the workers but also the economy."

The 145-kilometer link is part of the national high-speed rail network currently being built across China. It is expected to open in 2015, cutting the travel time between Hong Kong and Guangzhou to 48 minutes. Passengers from Hong Kong will also be able to reach Wuhan in five hours, Shanghai in eight hours and Beijing in ten hours.