Government concerned about MTRCL East Rail Line engineering train fault causing service disruptions
******************************************************************************************
Yesterday morning (April 27), an engineering train used for inspecting overhead cables by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) malfunctioned near the East Rail Lines Fo Tan Station. During the incident, train services on the East Rail Line remained operational, but travel times were extended by 10 to 15 minutes.
Upon receiving notification of the incident from the MTRCL, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) immediately dispatched personnel to the site to assess the situation and launch an investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by an equipment fault, which prevented the lifting platform from descending. As the platform was located close to the overhead cables, precautious measures were required before the engineering train could be relocated.
EMSD is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the design, maintenance and operational procedures of the engineering train. EMSD has requested the MTRCL to conduct a comprehensive review on the incident and submit an investigation report to explain the cause of the incident and make proposals on improvement measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Additionally, on the morning of February 5 this year, another engineering train used for lifting operations broke down near Tai Wo Station on the East Rail Line, also causing service disruptions. EMSD has expressed grave concern over the occurrence of two engineering train-related incidents affecting train services within three months. EMSD will also initiate a special audit to holistically review MTRCL’s maintenance emergency preparedness concerning engineering trains.