此外，他透露政府會繼續透過「港深跨界軌道基礎設施建設專班」推展港深西部鐵路(洪水橋至前海)和北環線支線兩個跨境鐵路項目。當局正爭取於今年内與深圳當局就北環線支線推展安排達成共識，並由港鐵在明年年初展開詳細規劃及設計。同時，當局正為擬議的北環線東延線及新界東北線籌備下一階段的推展工作，包括敲定項目的推展模式、財務安排等。有關項目的佈局及目標落成時序已於去年年底公布的《香港主要運輸基建發展藍圖》中宏觀勾勒。政府會因應每一個新鐵路項目的建造及營運詳情，考慮不同推展安排和研究各種創新的工程技術，以提升項目的成本效益及加快新鐵路項目的推展。Transport and Logistics Bureau Director Lin Shixiong responded in writing to council members' questions, stating that in response to the demand for passengers to use rail services to and from Lok Ma Chau spur line control station, MTR (00066.HK) added encrypted East Rail Line train services to Lok Ma Chau Station in March and August this year during certain time periods on weekdays, weekends, and/or public holidays.
In terms of the distribution of passengers on the East Rail Line, the overall passenger volume to and from Lo Wu Station is still higher than to and from Lok Ma Chau Station. Therefore, overall, the train frequency to and from Lo Wu Station is higher than to and from Lok Ma Chau Station. The Transport Department and MTR will continue to maintain close communication, review and adjust East Rail Line train services as needed according to passenger travel patterns and needs.
He pointed out that the government is fully promoting cross-border railway projects to help Hong Kong seize the opportunities and advantages of the Greater Bay Area and the Northern Metropolis Development. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway (Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai) and the North Link Line extension projects provide direct cross-border railway connections in northwest New Territories and central New Territories, connecting Shenzhen Bay Port and New Huanggang Port, offering more travel options for residents and passengers traveling to and from the Greater Bay Area. At the opening of the related railway lines, the number of land border crossings covered by rail in the Northern Metropolis Area will increase significantly from the current two ports of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau to six ports, effectively diverting citizens and passengers to use various ports, promoting cross-border integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
In addition, he revealed that the government will continue to promote two cross-border railway projects, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway (Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai) and the North Link Line extension, through the "Hong Kong-Shenzhen Cross-Border Railway Infrastructure Construction Task Force." The government is striving to reach a consensus with the Shenzhen authorities on the development arrangements for the North Link Line extension within the year and MTR will commence detailed planning and design early next year. At the same time, the government is preparing for the next stage of promotion work for the proposed North Link Line extension and New Territories Northeast Line, including finalizing development models and financial arrangements. The layout and completion schedule of the projects were outlined in the "Hong Kong Transportation Infrastructure Development Blueprint" published at the end of last year. The government will consider different promotion arrangements and study various innovative engineering technologies to enhance the cost-effectiveness and expedite the development of new railway projects based on the construction and operational details of each new railway project.
