The Hong Kong-Guangzhou high-speed railway hit a snag recently when Hong Kong Transport Secretary Anthony Cheung Bing-leung announced delays would force the high-profile project to delay completion until 2015 and not be in operation until the year after, the SCMP reported.

Cheung revealed that he was “totally caught by surprise” when he learned of complications that arose from the rain storm last month and geological difficulties incurred at the digging site. This construction delay could end up costing Hong Kong taxpayers millions of dollars, although Cheung didn’t speculate on an amount.

With the project first scheduled to be completed next year and now very much behind schedule, Hong Kong’s elected officials blasted Cheung for the delays.

Michael Tien Puk-sun of the New People’s Party criticized Cheung for being irresponsible and told the SCMP, “Last year, he told us it was OK but now he expresses surprise. That means he did not cross check what the MTR Corp told him.”

Wu Chi-wai criticized Cheung for gross negligence: “I was surprised that he expressed surprise. As the principal official in charge of transport it is his job to monitor the MTR to ensure the project is delivered on time.”

Maybe there’s something about sitting in a freezing air-conditioned room all day that makes you burn with anger, but Hong Kongers should know that there’s an easier way — the Mainland way.

While the Chinese press has reported the news of the construction delay without the criticisms, they have gone one step further today by commemorating the reopening of the Guangzhou-Hong Kong railway. Yes, it’s time to acknowledge the benefits of the railways system that we have, and not the ones that don’t exist. At 35 years-old, this railway system has provided such valuable service despite not being any older than the “classic rock” music genre.

Who needs to arrive at their destination in under an hour when you can do it in under two-and-a-half hours? On a train that’s actually running? You’ve come a long way, baby!

No need to fret. Relax, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Photo: SCMP