The China Hong Kong Permanent Way Society (CHKPWS) was established in August 1998, a little more than a year after the transfer of sovereignty from the British Government to the Chinese Government on 1 July 1997.

The main objectives of the Society are to:

- promote and encourage amongst members of the Society, the acquisition and exchange of both general and technical knowledge of planning, design, construction, inspection, maintenance and renewal of permanent way and other associated railway works

- promote and encourage lectures and discussion and to publish and distribute for the use of its members any relevant material that will encourage the exchange of information, ideas and knowledge 

- foster close ties with societies or institutions world-wide who have similar objectives, especially in the People’s Republic of China.
 

Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a dynamic railway industry. In the last quarter of the 20th century Hong Kong has become a world leader in urban passenger railways.

It already has some of the most profitable, reliable and densely utilised mass transit and light rail networks in the world. It is also home to the world’s first purpose built airport railway with in-town check in at its stations.

Its railway engineering structures include three immersed tubes, the world’s longest road/rail suspension bridge and the world’s longest road/rail cable stayed bridge.

The Society allows those with a stake in the industry to meet in a convivial atmosphere, share ideas and information for the benefit of society.
 

The CHKPWS orgainises a wide variety of technical and social events for its members and guests including : 

- regular meetings in English and Cantonese 

- local and overseas technical visits 

- facilitation of training in China 

- a variety of social events 
 

Membership is open to all railway industry practitioners and especially to those interested in promoting permanent way engineering and its related disciplines.

Members come from a wide cross section of the industry including railway administrations, government, consultants, suppliers, contractors and academic institutions.

You are welcome to apply to join the China Hong Kong Permanent Way Society.