A large-scale pressure test at the New Huanggang Port was broadly smooth, but its formal opening date has yet to be decided. About 20,000 Hong Kong civil servants and 300 public transport vehicles joined the Hong Kong-Shenzhen exercise on 29 August, simulating peak passenger and traffic flows travelling north and returning to Hong Kong.
The exercise tested the port’s passenger facilities, traffic flow and public transport interchange, as well as its ability to handle cross-border peaks. It also tested joint inspection arrangements between Hong Kong and Shenzhen authorities.
About 20,000 people were reportedly processed within an hour, while the longest reported waiting time was below 15 minutes.
The exercise included the first actual cross-border test of the vehicle “five-in-one”, or joint one-stop, lane. The arrangement combines inspection procedures by Hong Kong Customs, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health with checks by mainland immigration and customs authorities, including document, fingerprint, temperature and other identity or risk checks.
Once the port opens, passengers using self-service channels will be able to cross with either a Hong Kong identity card or a Home Return Permit. First-time users of the service must register and carry both documents for inspection if required. The test also opened the 1M and 3M floors for vehicle passengers to complete departure and arrival procedures through the relevant channels.
Security Secretary Chris Tang said the exercise was generally smooth and orderly and had achieved its expected results. The authorities found that Wi-Fi reception or speeds were slower in some crowded areas and said targeted testing and improvements would follow. The government will conduct an internal review and meet Shenzhen officials before deciding the opening date and arrangements. Tang said this was, in principle, the last planned large-scale, full-process exercise involving civil servants, although another test could be considered after the review if needed.