Shenzhen dismisses plans to extend East Rail line into Luohu district

Ayra Wang

Shenzhen authorities have clarified that they do not intend to extend Hong Kong's East Rail line into the Luohu district.

Additionally, the border clearance arrangement at the Lo Wu control point will remain unchanged after its renovation, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung.

This appears to be a reversal from previous statements made by Luohu district authorities last month, which suggested they were considering connecting the East Rail line to their district and introducing a co-location border clearance arrangement at the port.

Tang said that the upcoming modification work at the Luohu port is limited to the Shenzhen side.

The goal is to "eliminate safety hazards, improve port functions and upgrade the inspection facilities."

However, the overall facility layout and passenger clearance route will not be altered.

"Hong Kong and Shenzhen will maintain their separate passenger terminal buildings along the Shenzhen River, connected by a pedestrian bridge," Tang said.

He also confirmed that the co-location clearance mode will not be adopted at the Lo Wu control point.

"Issues involved in changing the clearance mode of existing border control points are far more complicated than implementing the new clearance mode at new control points," Tang said.

He added that any such changes would need to be carefully planned to ensure they do not disrupt the existing port operations.

Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu acknowledged that Shenzhen plays a dominant role in decisions regarding the potential extension of the East Rail line into Luohu.

He suggested that the current renovation work is focused on short-term decorative improvements, while the possibility of a new clearance mode may be considered in the longer-term plan to rebuild the port.

"As far as I know, the renovation for Luohu port includes two parts - a short-term decoration, as well as looking for a new place to rebuild the port in the long run," Zhang said, adding that the new clearance mode can be implemented in the rebuilt port.

Lawmakers also urged the government to explore ways to improve clearance efficiency at the Lo Wu control point, potentially through the introduction of new technologies.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com