The commissioning of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Futian Port marks closer ties between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and is an excellent example of co-operation between the two places, Chief Secretary Henry Tang says.

Opening the spur line and Futian Port today, Mr Tang noted that Lok Ma Chau Spur Line is the second rail link between the two cities. Its commissioning and that of Futian Port will help relieve the congestion at other land boundary crossings and cater for the increasing cross-boundary traffic demand.

New link: The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line opens today. Chief Secretary Henry Tang and Guangdong Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan propose a toast at the opening ceremony while immigration officers get prepared at the new checkpoint.

Smooth flow

Shenzhen and Hong Kong have been working closely to adopt measures to ensure the smooth flow of people and goods as well as promote social and economic ties.

"We will spare no effort in implementing other cross-boundary transport infrastructure projects. Take the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link as an example, we have decided to adopt the dedicated corridor option and will continue to work jointly with Guangdong and Shenzhen to ensure early implementation. We look forward to more concrete achievements on the transport front," Mr Tang said.

Right balance

He thanked the Central Government and the Guangdong and Shenzhen authorities for their strong support throughout the spur line's planning and construction. He also praised the concerted efforts of KCRC staff in completing the project, in particular their commitment to striking the right balance between development and conservation.

The 7.4-kilometre spur line, diverging from KCR East Rail Sheung Shui Station, offers an alternative for East Rail passengers to Shenzhen. Operating at a 10-12-minute interval, the journey from East Rail's southern terminus at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Lok Ma Chau Station takes about 45 minutes, without any interchange.

Direct access

The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line check point has 136 counters at the immigration hall, with a handling capacity up to about 150,000 passengers a day.

With the connection to the Shenzhen Futian Port Joint Inspection Building and the Shenzhen Huanggang Metro Station, rail passengers crossing at Lok Ma Chau will have direct access to the Shenzhen Metro system.