The Mass Transit Railway South Island Line development plan should be ready by year's-end with a view to complete the project by 2015, Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today Ms Cheng said the Government intends to first build the eastern part of the rail which will pass through Ocean Park and Ap Lei Chau.

For the MTR West Island Line, Ms Cheng said there is no scope for property development above the stations as Western District is fully developed. The Government will bridge the $6 billion funding gap by providing capital funding support. The first stage will involve $400 million to cover design-phase expenditure.

The project will involve some property acquisition so the Government will liaise with landlords.

Meanwhile, the Government also plans to go ahead with the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link from West Kowloon to Shibi, Guangzhou. In Hong Kong the link will use a dedicated line to ensure smooth operation. The provision of a common immigration and customs clearance system for Hong Kong and the Mainland at the Kowloon Terminal is under study.

The planning and design processes should be completed next year so construction can start in 2009, she added.

For the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge she said the three governments involved are studying financial arrangements and an expert group will scrutinise the report before the project goes to the next stage.