The cost of building a new 7km medium-capacity rail line in Hong Kong, China, could increase by about 55% to HK$10bn ($1.28bn) from the original 2006 estimate of HK$7bn ($902m).
MTR Corporation said the increase in the budget for the South Island Line (East) is mainly attributed to an increase in the price of construction materials.
The railway in Wong Chuk Hang will feature four new stations and a train stabling and maintenance depot.
According to the plan, the company will build 12,000m² of additional open spaces, including a 2,000m² pet park, promenade and a footbridge, and widen the Heung Yip road including new designs to build smaller viaducts.
Construction will commence in 2011 and will be complete in 2015.
