Hong Kong, Beijing Launch Direct Rail Service

Beijing and Hong Kong are about to come closer with the launch of the first direct rail service, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp (KCRC) said on Friday.

The first train from Hong Kongs Kowloon station to Beijing will leave on Monday, May 19, and to Shanghai on May 20, a spokeswoman said.

Its the first time (for) a through-train service from Hong Kong to Beijing, she told reporters.

Powered by a Swiss-built Ferrari-styled electric locomotive, the HK$310 million (US$40 million) train will pull into Hong Kong on Sunday before embarking on its maiden trip to Beijing the next day.

The 30-hour ride from Hong Kong to the Chinese capital promises airline style luxury, a far cry from Chinas crammed and sweaty domestic trains.

 

The service is jointly undertaken by Hong Kongs KCRC and Chinas Ministry of Railways.

Hong Kong, a British colony of 156 years, reverts to China at midnight on June 30.