The Railways Branch under EMSD is the regulatory authority on railway safety in Hong Kong. The Railways Branch regulates and monitors the safe operation of the following railway system:

• Railway systems operated by the MTR Corporation Limited
• Automated People Mover at the Hong Kong International Airport
• Tramway system operated by Hong Kong Tramways
• Peak tramway system operated by Peak Tramways Company Limited

The main functions of the Railways Branch include:

• ensuring the adoption of appropriate safety practices by the railway operators;
• investigating into safety-related railway incidents and following up the operators' improvement measures;
• assessing and approving new railway projects and modifications to the existing major railway facilities;
• providing professional support on railway safety to government bureaux and other government departments;
• handling complaints and enquiries on matters related to railway safety; and
• promoting public railway safety.