The counter-proposal for the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link submitted by a community group last week is not feasible in concept, design, engineering and operation, the Transport & Housing Bureau says.

In response to media enquiries, the bureau said today it has studied the group's suggestion and has met its members.

The group's idea is very preliminary without any supporting feasibility study, the bureau said. It is based on connecting a small section of the cross-boundary express rail to the domestic rail network. This fails to meet the fundamental concept and standard of the express rail.

Noting the Government's proposal for the Hong Kong section has obtained the general support of the community, the bureau said the proposal is already at the final planning stage.

Detailed information will be submitted to the Legislative Council soon to seek funding approval so construction can start by year's-end as scheduled.

Reiterating the link's Hong Kong section is essential transport infrastructure with strategic significance in maintaining the city's competitiveness and long-term development, the bureau said the rail enhances accessibility between Hong Kong and a dozen major Mainland cities.