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2026
The Government has pressed ahead with inter-departmental drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, testing operational readiness across cross-boundary passenger clearance and vehicle inspection procedures. Multiple departments, including the Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Department of Health and the Government Property Agency took part in the exercises to ensure full preparedness ahead of the port’s commissioning. During passenger clearance simulations at the departure hall, the Immigration Department tested contingency measures for a “Collaborative Inspection & Joint Clearance” automated channels breakdown that triggered heavy queuing. In response, frontline staff redirected travellers to manual counters and co-ordinated with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection to set up temporary manual counters. Officers also deployed handheld devices to perform departure clearance for eligible Hong Kong residents, rapidly clearing the backup. In separate passenger scenarios, immigration officers escorted a traveller who failed to pass through the automated channel to the duty room for identification document verification. Similarly, at the arrival hall, officers guided a visitor denied entry into Hong Kong to the duty room for examination, before co-ordinating Customs inspection and escorting her back to Shenzhen. Vehicle inspection drills at the vehicle departure hall involved the Customs & Excise Department, the Police Force, the Immigration Department, and other departments testing responses to multiple operational scenarios. In one mock situation at the “Customs front kiosk”, a vehicle was scanned for its licence plate, and officers found that it lacked a valid Closed Road Permit. In another, a vehicle was stopped after passengers failed to disembark for Customs inspection, prompting Customs officers to direct the vehicle to an inspection area for follow-up. Meanwhile, at the vehicle arrival hall, the Immigration Department simulated a system failure across the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes. Officers smoothly transitioned to manual checks of identification documents and licence plates. Concurrently, the Department of Health deployed to the kiosk to execute manual temperature screening using handheld infrared scanners.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is conducting a series of inter-departmental emergency drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, including mock scenarios of a traffic accident, power outage, lift failure and electrical short circuit, to test departmental emergency response ahead of the port’s opening.One of the drills simulated a traffic accident involving three private cars at the public transport interchange inside the Hong Kong Port Area. The scenario involved multiple injuries, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene. Firefighters first ensured that the area was secure and that no one was trapped before assessing the casualties and then standing by with a charged hose line as a precaution. Ambulance personnel then provided further medical treatment before taking the injured to hospital. Meanwhile, police officers investigated the cause of the simulated crash and conducted a breath test on a driver. The Fire Services Department also staged a rescue operation inside the port building, where four travellers were simulated as trapped in a lift, complaining of dizziness and discomfort. Firefighters safely opened the lift doors using a manual key after confirming that the power supply was switched off. After initial checks, two of the rescued travellers were sent to hospital for further treatment. Another drill simulated an electrical appliance short circuit in a building rest area, forcing a large number of travellers to evacuate. Emergency teams directed travellers out of the building, while arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent potential flare-ups. One traveller felt unwell and was taken to hospital. In a separate development, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, together with other government departments, staged emergency scenarios including a simulated power failure, a breakdown of the air-conditioning system and a sudden escalator failure. Under the department’s supervision, technical staff carried out emergency repairs to ensure a swift resumption of services. After the establishment of the Hong Kong Port Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government continues to conduct drills and exercises of varying scales to ensure relevant departments and units familiarise themselves with handling different emergency situations.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government conducted an interdepartmental tabletop exercise today in preparation for the opening of Huanggang Port. Held at Police Headquarters, the exercise aimed to bolster collaboration and emergency response capabilities across participating departments and relevant stakeholders. The session focused on realistic simulation scenarios involving potential safety incidents and emergencies once the port commences operation. Key scenarios tested responses to extreme weather, power failures, fires within the port building, major traffic accidents on the new connecting road or in the public transport interchange, and suspected infectious disease outbreaks among arriving passengers. Through detailed scenario analysis and contingency reviews, participating bureaus and departments assessed their emergency response plans, interdepartmental communication mechanisms, and collaborative decision-making processes. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung inspected the exercise and commended the participating parties for their effective co-ordination. The exercise brought together key government bodies, including the Security Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Information Services Department, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Government Property Agency, the Department of Health, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, and the Digital Policy Office. Representatives from the Shenzhen side also participated in online exchanges to strengthen the notification and co-ordination mechanism between relevant units in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to strengthen risk management to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the port upon its official opening.
In preparation for the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, scheduled for late November in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), in collaboration with other government departments and relevant organisations, conducted a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise covering the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area. The exercise held last night covered a wide range of measures and arrangements such as simulating crowd-flow management for approximately 1,000 delegates, their movement between event venues, command and coordination of land and sea transport, a wireless network stress test and contingency plans for unexpected situations. The exercise also simulated a scenario where terrorists rammed a vehicle into the venue and opened fire during the General Assembly, resulting in mass casualties. Concurrently, a neighbouring educational institution was evacuated due to a separate incident. Participating departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms. The exercise thoroughly tested the coordination capabilities of relevant stakeholders across various key operational areas including immediate tactical intervention, emergency response, triage and casualty care, handling of suspicious objects and management of affected persons. The operation mobilised over 2,600 personnel from multiple government departments and entities, including the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming observed the exercise on site and commended all participating units for their professional performance and coordination.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Luo Huanghao met today to discuss the planning and development of boundary control points, following an inspection of preparatory work at Huanggang Port. Mr Tang and Mr Luo co-chaired a meeting of the task force on Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points development. Prior to the meeting, delegations from both cities visited Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area. In addition to Huanggang Port's progress, officials also exchanged views on the Sha Tau Kok Boundary Control Point redevelopment project. Mr Tang noted that preparations for the upcoming opening of Huanggang Port are in full swing, with testing and drills actively underway. Both sides aim to ensure the port operates safely, efficiently and smoothly while providing high-quality services for residents and travellers. Representatives from the Architectural Services Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Department of Health and the Government Property Agency also attended the meeting.
The new Huanggang Port operates 24 hours a day, featuring a dedicated public transport interchange within the Hong Kong Port Area, allowing travellers easy commutes to and from various districts across Hong Kong. According to Assistant Commissioner for Transport/New Territories Amy Tse, the port is well connected by a comprehensive public transport network. This includes seven franchised bus routes, six green minibus routes, five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes and various long-haul services, as well as direct taxi access. Seven franchised bus routes operated by three bus companies serve the port, including six daytime routes and one overnight service. For daytime bus services, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) operates Route B10 to Kwai Tsui Estate in Kwai Fong via the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange and Route B11 directly to Tin Fu in Tin Shui Wai via Yuen Long MTR Station. New Lantao Bus operates Route B12, connecting the port with Wu Kai Sha and passing through Science Park and Tai Po. Citybus runs three daytime routes: Route B13 to Siu Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island and Route B14 to Kai Tak in Kowloon, both stopping at the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, along with Route B15 running to Castle Peak Bay in Tuen Mun via Tuen Mun MTR Station. For late-night travellers, KMB runs overnight Route NB73 serving Sha Tin. In addition, six green minibus routes are available. Daytime services comprise Route 44B to Tuen Mun Station, Route 44B1 to Tuen Mun Ferry Pier and Route 78 to Pat Heung Road. Overnight minibus services include Route N44B to Tuen Mun, Route 79S to Tin Shui Wai and Route 616S to Mong Kok. Travellers can also utilise five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes serving major hubs, including Mong Kok, Austin Road in Jordan, Lam Tin, Exhibition Centre Station in Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan. Passengers wishing to travel by taxi can take fleet, urban or New Territories taxis directly to the port area. Miss Tse noted that the Transport Department and transport operators are fully prepared to deliver a seamless, efficient and convenient travel experience for passengers journeying between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government conducted its second large-scale drill at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area today to further test the overall management of passenger and vehicular flows at the port building and the public transport interchange (PTI). An inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise was also held to strengthen the response capabilities of various departments in emergency cases. The exercise mobilised about 5,000 civil servants from around 30 departments. During the drill, participants took various modes of public transport to arrive at the port. They then proceeded to the departure hall and the arrival hall of the port building. Subsequently, they left the port by taking public transport as instructed. Participants and vehicles dispatched by various public transport operators took part in cyclical trials involving more than 250 departures to simulate the flow of people and vehicles arriving and departing from the port. Participants in the drill simulated queuing for immigration clearance procedures in the departure hall and the arrival hall to test the relevant crowd-control arrangements. This drill also featured a new “crowd concentrated-flow test”. A large number of participants were first held on designated floors, in order to create a short-term unforeseen surge pressure subsequently by simulating a situation where an influx of passengers arrive and proceed to the PTI. This is to test inter-departmental co-ordination arrangements and further test the effectiveness of the management of passenger and vehicular flows and various supporting measures. During the drill, different types of tests were also featured. These included simulating the operational arrangement of small vehicles crossing the boundary; simulating a large number of departing passengers queuing to use the clearance facilities; and a large number of passengers gathering at the PTI to wait for individual public transport services. Other tests involved the Department of Health’s quarantine station discovering suspected infection cases and requesting ambulancemen to co-operate in handling the situation; and the taxi management arrangements being activated in response to a large number of taxis going to the PTI. The flow test was followed by an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise conducted at the departure hall on the fifth floor of the port building. The exercise simulated a scenario in which extremists launched a shooting attack after they were discovered to possess firearms and ammunition, causing mass casualties and requiring immediate evacuation. The exercise aimed to enhance departments’ co-ordination and response capabilities in handling terrorism and violence-related intelligence, and responding to different forms of terrorist attacks. Next, different departments conducted a major-incident exercise, which simulated a serious traffic accident on the new connecting road to the port, thereby hindering vehicles from using the original route to enter the port. Traffic was redirected under police instruction to use the southbound route, with one-lane two-way, intermittent access to the port’s PTI. Vehicles were also directed to leave the port and return to the urban area. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung inspected the drill on-site, which was conducted smoothly. He held a meeting with the participating departments afterwards to review the flow and suggestions given by the participants, in order to make further enhancements in subsequent drills.
The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will hold open days on September 12 and 13 to celebrate its 80th anniversary, with free admission tickets available for online registration starting today. Themed "Safeguarding Civil Aviation for 80 Years: Passing the Torch, Shaping the Future", the event aims to strengthen community ties and promote aviation knowledge. The open day will feature a wide range of activities, including an Air Traffic Control Tower Simulator experience, thematic talks on aviation, and a career exhibition on CAD professional grades. Visitors can also join guided tours of the Aviation Education Path, enjoy interactive game booths, and participate in a treasure hunt. To enhance the visitor experience, the event will be split into three sessions. The first session will run from 2pm to 5pm on September 12. On September 13, the morning session will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm, followed by an afternoon session from 2pm to 5pm. Online pre-registration is required as admission is free but limited. Each applicant may select one preferred session and request a maximum of three tickets. If applications exceed capacity, tickets will be allocated through a computer ballot. The registration is open from today until August 24, successful applicants will receive their QR code admission tickets by email on or before September 4. Click here for details.
Chief Executive John Lee today presented award certificates to two civil service teams under the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance scheme. The recipients are the Inter-departmental Team for Wartime Bomb Disposal with Emergency Relief and Support Services (Bomb Disposal Team), and the Inter-departmental Team for Light Public Housing (LPH). Addressing the presentation ceremony, Mr Lee praised the teams for fulfilling their duties with exceptional competence and winning public trust through tangible results. He added that they demonstrate the Government's “people-oriented” approach and responsible and results-driven governance philosophy, setting an example for the entire civil service. The Bomb Disposal Team was recognised for its swift response in September 2025, when a 1,000-pound wartime bomb was discovered at a Quarry Bay construction site. The operation was further complicated by the approach of Super Typhoon Ragasa. The Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department and the Home Affairs Department immediately activated an emergency mechanism. Their co-ordinated efforts ensured the orderly evacuation of nearly 2,900 residents across 18 buildings and the safe defusal of the bomb. Senior Bomb Disposal Officer (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau) Suryanto Chin-chiu thanked the Chief Executive for the recognition. He noted that the crisis was handled safely because every department demonstrated a high level of professionalism and the solidarity of “One Government”. The LPH Team, led by the Housing Bureau in collaboration with the Architectural Services Department, achieved remarkable results in a short period to break Hong Kong construction records. The Yau Pok Road project in Yuen Long was completed in approximately 12 months. Meanwhile, the foundation and 18-floor superstructure at Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok were completed in less than 18 months. As a result, the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing dropped from 6.1 years to 4.8 years. Then-Deputy Secretary for Housing (Special Duties) Winnie Wong stated that providing a comfortable and safe environment for those previously living in inadequate housing was the team's greatest motivation for rapid delivery. The nomination exercise for this round of the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance commenced in May. The Civil Service Bureau invited bureaus to nominate outstanding teams or colleagues for the honour.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government conducted its first large-scale drill at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area today to prepare for the port’s upcoming official opening. The exercise mobilised approximately 1,000 civil servants from over 20 departments. It successfully tested the overall management of passenger and vehicular flows at both the port building and the public transport interchange (PTI). During the drill, participants took various modes of public transport, including franchised buses, short-haul cross-boundary coaches, green minibuses and taxis, to reach the PTI on the second floor of the port building. They then proceeded through the fifth-floor departure hall and the fourth-floor arrival hall before returning to the PTI to leave the port. Participants and operator-dispatched vehicles conducted cyclical trials involving more than 120 departures to simulate realistic arrival and departure conditions. The trials operations specifically assessed passenger and vehicular flow management, passageway capacity, on-site guidance, traffic control and various supporting facilities. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan inspected the drill on-site. Mr Tang noted that the entire drill flowed smoothly and achieved its expected testing objectives through close interdepartmental co-operation. He added that identified areas for improvement will be addressed in subsequent exercises, with larger drills planned for the future to ensure comprehensive preparation for the port’s opening. Ms Chan stated that this initial drill primarily tested local and cross-boundary public transport services alongside their ancillary arrangements. She highlighted that passengers boarding, alighting, queuing and traffic management all operated smoothly, delivering a positive passenger experience. The Transport & Logistics Bureau and the Transport Department will continue to refine these arrangements based on user needs. A wide range of bureaus, departments and public transport operators took part in the exercise. Participants included the Security Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Department, the Department of Health and the Fire Services Department. Also participating were the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, the Government Property Agency, the Digital Policy Office, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service. Meanwhile, the Transport Department confirmed it will continue conducting road and facility testing with operators. Ongoing tasks include evaluating transit routes and facilities, training bus drivers and testing traffic diversions – all of which have progressed smoothly. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to run drills of various scales to assess the capacity of the Huanggang Port and its surrounding infrastructure. It remains in close liaison with Shenzhen authorities to press ahead with preparatory tasks, and the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will announce the official opening date once the port is fully ready for safe and smooth operation.