MACAO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The first phase of Macao's light railway construction scheme has been clinched, according to an official statement issued Sunday.

The statement released by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region said the light railway program is expected to start the public bidding in 2008 and to complete construction in 2011.

The first phase of the construction plan features a 20-km route linking the Macao Peninsula and the two islands of Taipa and Coloane, said the statement.

It added that the railway is to handle 8,000 passengers per hour.

Macao has a population of 528,000.