XRL - Timeline

  • First step of authorization for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link scheme

    First step of authorization for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link scheme
    The Excutive Council of Hong Kong (ExCo) authorizes the project as a first step of getting the Express Rail Link carried through. The project will provide frequent services from a new terminus at West Kowloon in Hong Kong to Shibi in Guangzhou, via Futian and Longhua in Shenzhen and Humen in Dongguan.
    PHOTO: MTR publication
    http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/projects/images/xrl_leaflet.pdf
  • Second step of authorization is done by the public work subcommitee of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo)

    The approval of the Subcomittee includes a contingency fund, price adjustment for rail and non-rail works, and compensation for owners of properties and lands acquired for the project.
  • Opponents of the multibillion-dollar Express Rail Link claimes victory after pan-democrat lawmakers succeeded in delaying the final authorization of the rail link funding

    Next meeting is scheduled for the January 9 2010
    The opponent says that the railway is too costly and was approved without proper consultation, in part to benefit private interests.
  • Many protested against the rail link at a New Year protest-march in Hong Kong.

    Many protested against the rail link at a New Year protest-march in Hong Kong.
    PHOTO © MAGGIE CHEN
  • Protesters of the Post 80s Anti Express Rail Group arranges a Four-day city-wide march.

    Protesters of the Post 80s Anti Express Rail Group arranges a Four-day city-wide march.
  • Thousands of protesters gathers outside of the Legislative Council

    Thousands of protesters gathers outside of the Legislative Council
    The final approval of the Rail Link project is set to take place at the Legislative Council January 9th
    PHOTO © MAGGIE CHEN
  • Christina Chan (22) a student at University of Hong Kong is accused of assaulting a police officer at the end of the New Year's Day democracy march.

    Christina Chan (22) a student at University of Hong Kong is accused of assaulting a police officer at the end of the New Year's Day democracy march.
    The circumstances of her arrest raises questions.
    - this photo of Christina Chan was taken in 2008
    PHOTO © ALEX HOFFORD
  • Opponents of the HK$66.9 billion Hong Kong-Guangzhou Express Rail project succeedes in blocking for a second time a vote to approve funding for the rail link.

    Next meeting is scheduled January 16
  • Hundreds of protesters opposed to the rail link stages a sit-in outside Government House

    Hundreds of protesters opposed to the rail link stages a sit-in outside Government House
    The rallie was mostly peaceful, even though a small group of protesters tried to force their way into the Legislative Council building. The council finally approved the HK$ 66.9 billion-funding by a 31-21 vote after a two-day marathon session.
    PHOTO © ALEX HOFFORD