The Government today said it has received detailed investigation reports from the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) on three railway incidents, and will closely monitor the company in implementing the improvement measures set out in the reports.
In relation to the East Rail Line engineering train incidents on February 5 and April 27, and the Tseung Kwan O Line incident on May 22, the Government has instructed the MTRC to strengthen its railway system maintenance and incident handling capacity to enhance the railway network’s overall resilience.
At the Government’s request, the MTRC has also formulated an action plan on incident prevention and handling, that covers a one-off special inspection of targeted critical assets and a series of mid- to long-term measures.
The measures include strengthening the monitoring and risk management of railway assets; formulating plans for extreme scenarios, and reinforcing drills and trainings under different scenarios; and enhancing free shuttle bus arrangements.
Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said the MTR is the major mode of commuting for Hong Kong people, and the MTRC must proactively address potential issues before they arise.
She urged the company to enhance its railway system safety and accelerate the application of innovative technologies to realise predictive maintenance, in order to fortify the railway system’s overall resilience.
“I look forward to the continued effort of the MTRCL management in motivating staff at all levels to work together to implement the measures set out in the action plan.
“The management should also leverage the wisdom of frontline staff and strengthen the sense of accountability of staff from different ranks.”
The Transport & Logistics Bureau and related government departments will closely monitor the MTRC in implementing the improvement measures set out in the reports.
