Railways play a key role in the above strategy as they are safe, efficient, reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly mass carriers. The Government, therefore, accords high priority to railway development.

    About $75 billion has been committed to five railways under construction for completion between 2003 and 2007 and, together with the newly opened MTR Tseung Kwan O Line, this railway development involves a total investment of nearly $100 billion. The five railways are the West Rail, the Ma On Shan to Tai Wai Rail Link, the KCR Tsim Sha Tsui Extension, the Penny's Bay Rail Link and the Sheung Shui to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line. The MTR Tseung Kwan O Line, which comprises seven MTR stations between Po Lam and North Point, began operation on August 18.

    To meet Hong Kong's increasing transport needs in a sustainable manner for the next two decades, the Government has formulated the Railway Development Strategy 2000 (RDS-2000) based on the findings of the Second Railway Development Study. The RDS-2000 provides a blueprint for the next phase of railway development, and recommends six new projects costing $100 billion. These are the Shatin to Central Link, the Island Line Extensions, the Kowloon Southern Link, the Northern Link, the Regional Express Line and the Port Rail Line.