Govt unveils HK Railway Standards to accelerate project delivery and trim costs
發佈日期: 2026-02-23 20:08
TVB News
The government has unveiled the new "Hong Kong Railway Standards" which draw on both mainland and overseas experiences to set out technical specifications for railway projects.
The move aims to attract more engineering consultants and contractors to bid for rail projects, help trim construction costs and shorten completion times while maintaining delivery quality.
In the past, Hong Kong's railway standards largely adopted British and European standards, with relevant laws and regulations scattered across different frameworks.
After six months of preparation, the government has consolidated the new "Hong Kong Railway Standards."
Drawing on experiences from the mainland and overseas with more than 300 railway experts consulted, the new guidelines aim to provide clearer technical specifications for design, construction, operation and maintenance of future railway projects.
Under the new standards, different railway systems are said to be better integrated with more clearly defined station design standards, train dimensions and loading requirements.
The guidelines also specify the adoption of equipment and components that are widely available in the global market.
Director of Highways Tony Yau says that could ease past woes when suitable materials and equipment are readily available nearby, but uncertainty over compliance over local specifications sometimes meant contractors had to source from more expensive and distant suppliers.
Future designs will also be compatible with mainland systems and formats, facilitating the connection of signalling and communication systems for cross-boundary railways.
The government hopes it helps attract more consultants and contractors to bid for rail projects with lower construction cost, fast-tracking some ten-year projects to be completed in three to five years.
Yau noted how mainland rail technologies often accommodate varying elements including the environment, humidity, temperatures, and even the typography of railway signage, -- and these could combine to form and retain the "Hong Kong flavours."
Engineering sector lawmaker Aaron Bok says the industry will have more flexibility and choice with clearer standards listed and more diversified options to source materials.
AARON-BOK, Legco, Engineering (BPA): "They adopt the highest standards among all those different standards in the world, including the mainland. So there's no problem in ensuring the quality and safety."
Bok also hopes that through the introduction of the New Railway Standards, project delivery can be accelerated and efficiency enhanced, even creating room to advance the railway development timeline set for 2034.
Under the new framework, Bok believes some projects can trim costs by as much as 70 percent.
