Hong Kong legislators have called on the government to approve a US$1.92bn extension to the MTR Corp’s rail network on Hong Kong Island.

The move follows the MTR Corp’s submission of revised proposals to lawmakers at the end of February which lengthened the extension from Sai Ying Pun to Kennedy Town.

Phase one calls for an extension of the existing Island Line from Sheung Wan to Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong University to Kennedy Town. Dubbed South Island Line (East), stage two would run from the existing Admiralty south to Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Lei Tung and South Horizons in Ap Lei Chau on the south coast of the Island. The third phase, South Island Line (West) would complete the network from Wong Chuk Hang via Aberdeen, Wah Fu and Cyberport to University.

MTR Corp said stage three could either be done at the same time as the other two phases or later depending on finance and other issues. The three phases would total about 7.5km of new line and involve the excavation of about 6.2m dia tunnels.

The MTR Corp said: “Most of the West Island Line and South Island Line will be located in tunnel except for short sections at Cyberport and Wong Chuk Hang/Ocean Park areas, which will be on viaducts. A bridge will be constructed between Apleichau and Wong Chuk Hang alongside the existing Ap Lei Chau Bridge.”

MTR Corp had hoped to get a start on construction last year with completion in 2009-10, but the scheme has been delayed by a funding row with the government. MTR Corp’s revised scheme was intended to persuade the government to approve the project.

Voicing lawmakers backing for the project, Democratic Party chairman Lee Wing-tat said: “Residents in southern and western districts have been waiting a long time for these train lines. I understand the construction of these lines might bring in competition issues [with other transport operators] but I think residents’ needs should be the prime consideration.”

Responding, Environment, transport and works deputy secretary Thomas Chow Tat-ming said more time was needed to study the proposal and lawmakers’ advice before deciding on a timetable for construction and how much funding to provide.

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Hong Kong Island Line