It will take 45 minutes to clear security and customs for the express rail line, says official

Getting on the soon-to-open high speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland will take about as long as the train trip to Guangzhou, according to MTR officials, who also played down further evidence of water leakage revealed by a lawmaker.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, MTR operating chief Li Shing Kee advised passengers wanting to take the express train when it opens next month to arrive at least 45 minutes early to clear customs and security checks.

According to an MTR advertisement, it is expected to take 48 minutes to travel from West Kowloon to Guangzhou (South) via Shenzhen.

The advertisement was criticized by some for being misleading as to reach downtown Guangzhou, passengers will still have to transfer to the subway and take another 40 minute to an hour ride, reported the SCMP.

The controversial security arrangement — which will see mainland security officials stationed the West Kowloon terminus — was largely justified by officials for its efficiency.  

Li said he believed waiting times would be shortened in the future.

The project has drawn major criticism from pro-democracy lawmakers and Hong Kong’s Bar Association for violating the city’s Basic Law by allowing Chinese officials to enforce mainland law in the heart of Hong Kong.

A judge this week rejected an application to delay the line’s opening before legal challenges to the ‘co-location bill’, which allows mainland officials to operate within a designated zone within the station’, were heard.

At the press conference General Manager of the Express Rail Simon Tang also addressed persistent concerns of water leakage in the tunnel and platform, following the release of photos by the Civic Party’s Jeremy Tam showing water-soaked walls and floors within the facility.

“Regarding the water leakage problem in the tunnel and platform, due to the technical limitations, it is difficult to make it 100% waterproof and we have designed a drainage system to with the water. From an engineering point of view, the construction is up to standard,” he said.

Opening days for the Kowloon West terminus for the express rail will be held on September 1 and 2. To attend the free event, people can request tickets which will be available next month. Trains are expected to start running later in month.