Hong Kong and Shenzhen Complete First Cross-Border Stress Test at Revamped Huanggang Port
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities completed their first joint stress test at the revamped Huanggang Port border crossing on Saturday, involving more than 10,000 civil servants in passenger and vehicular flow trials. The exercise marked the inaugural test of automated "collaborative inspection" channels and the new joint one-stop vehicle lane system, with officials describing the drill as proceeding smoothly ahead of a larger 20,000-person exercise next Saturday.
Key Points
- Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung jointly inspected the drill, which involved over 10,000 civil servants taking various public transport modes to the port
- The exercise included more than 400 vehicle departures simulating passenger flows, plus nearly 1,000 vehicle trips on the joint one-stop vehicle lane level
- Participants tested automated "collaborative inspection" channels at the departure hall and underwent a "crowd concentrated-flow test" simulating peak-hour conditions
- Private cars simulated the vehicle clearance process, passing through a customs kiosk first before immigration to avoid backing up during spot checks
- Officials reported orderly passenger flows with efficient public transport connections, though a motorists association noted traffic congestion at San Tin Interchange roundabout
Why It Matters
The successful completion of this initial test sets the stage for next Saturday's larger-scale exercise featuring 90 clearance channels and full capacity assessment . The Huanggang Port's reopening—potentially as early as next month—will significantly enhance cross-border connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, facilitating smoother travel and trade for millions of commuters.
The successful completion of this initial test sets the stage for next Saturday's larger-scale exercise featuring 90 clearance channels and full capacity assessment . The Huanggang Port's reopening—potentially as early as next month—will significantly enhance cross-border connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, facilitating smoother travel and trade for millions of commuters.