Huanggang Port drill clears 20,000-person stress test
RTHK · 6 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong authorities said the fourth large-scale drill at the new Huanggang Port, and the second cross-border stress test with Shenzhen, achieved its intended results after mobilising 20,000 civil servants on Saturday . Security Secretary Tang Ping-keung said the overall process was smooth, the longest passenger clearance wait did not exceed 15 minutes, and testing would now move to internal review and talks with Shenzhen before an opening date is decided .
Key Points
- The exercise at the Hong Kong port area of the new Huanggang Port mobilised 20,000 civil servants, double the previous week's test, with police and the Civil Aid Service helping maintain order .
- Authorities deployed about 300 buses to simulate peak passenger arrivals, with 4 to 5 buses unloading at once and each completing drop-off within 2 to 3 minutes .
- Immigration arrangements in the drill included 120 co-location self-service channels and 60 traditional counters, while Tang later said all 202 joint inspection e-channels and manual counters were opened .
- The first full test of the joint one-stop vehicle lane put private cars and cross-boundary coaches through three gates for checks by Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities .
- Tang said about 300 cross-boundary private cars were tested in the new lane at roughly one minute per vehicle, with queueing under 10 minutes despite traffic 40% above normal peak .
Why It Matters
The latest drill moves the rebuilt Huanggang Port closer to opening, but officials said the launch date will be decided only after Hong Kong and Shenzhen complete reviews of safety and operational flow . Tang also said travellers will be able to use either a Hong Kong identity card or a Home Return Permit at e-Channels on both sides when the port formally opens, while Wi-Fi performance in crowded areas still needs improvement .
The latest drill moves the rebuilt Huanggang Port closer to opening, but officials said the launch date will be decided only after Hong Kong and Shenzhen complete reviews of safety and operational flow . Tang also said travellers will be able to use either a Hong Kong identity card or a Home Return Permit at e-Channels on both sides when the port formally opens, while Wi-Fi performance in crowded areas still needs improvement .