On the right track: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa hopes the West Rail will provide quality service to the public. To sustain economic recovery and growth, he said the Government will continue to invest in the transport infrastructure in the territory as well as connections to the Mainland.

The 30.5-kilometre West Rail has officially opened, providing a fast, comfortable, reliable and environmentally friendly transport link from Nam Cheong in Sham Shui Po to Tuen Mun - or vice versa - in 30 minutes.

At the opening ceremony this morning, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said the new line will further the development of the northwest New Territories. He added that the Government will continue investing in transport infrastructure within Hong Kong as well as connections to the Mainland.

Such projects, which include the construction of several rails and an express rail between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, will further enhance the flow of people and goods in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, enabling sustained economic growth.

Mr Tung said with the hard work of the Hong Kong people and full support of the Central Government, the worst is over for Hong Kong's economy and people have gained confidence in the future again.

"To sustain the pace of economic recovery and growth," he said, "the Government will continue to invest in the transport infrastructure in the territory as well as between Hong Kong and Mainland cities."

Within the next few years, the Government will study, plan and construct the Tsim Sha Tsui Extention, the Ma On Shan Rail Link, the Kowloon Southern Link and the Shatin-Central Link.  Major highways such as the Deep Bay Link and Route 9 between Tsing Yi and Sha Tin will also materialise.

Cross-boundary links, such as the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, the Shenzhen Western Corridor, the HK-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, two new boundary bridges at Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang and Sha Tau Kok, and the express-rail link between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, will bring the territory and the Pearl River Delta closer. They will facilitate a more efficient and convenient flow of people and goods.

The understanding and support of residents had contributed to the smooth completion of the project, he added. He hoped the West Rail would reciprocate with the provision of the highest standards of service and efficiency.

Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation Chairman Michael Tien said the Ma On Shan Rail should come into operation in early 2004. The construction of other rails, such as the Tsim Sha Tsui spur line, is progressing well.

The West Rail has nine stations, running through Nam Cheong in Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.

The Rail is the largest infrastructure project undertaken since the Chek Lap Kok International Airport, embodying the longest tunnel link (5.5 km) and viaduct (13 km) in the territory.