On Thursday's Backchat, we're talking about plans to build a new MTR line in east Kowloon.

Citing a lack of railway services in hilly areas of Kwun Tong, authorities have proposed a seven-kilometre-long elevated line which would connect Choi Hung East with Yau Tong East.


The project would cost about HK$264 million and be completed by 2033, with some lawmakers hoping to see it extended to Kai Tak.


The trains would not require overhead lines and would be equipped with rubber tyres to increase their climbing capability on steep inclines.


How feasible is this plan? And what are the challenges? We'll find out.


After 9:45, we talk about the new high-speed sleeper train services connecting Hong Kong to Beijing and Shanghai.


9:05am-9:45am: Kwun Tong railway development

9:05am-9:45am: Eli Konvitz, Vice-Chair of the Urban Land Institute Hong Kong  
9:05am-9:45am: Alain Chiaradia, Associate Professor and Deputy Head at the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Urban Planning 
9:30am-9:45am: Greg Wong, Past President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers


9:45am-10:00am: Sleeper trains

9:45am-10:00am: Henry Cheung, Chair of the Association of Hong Kong Railway Transport Professionals