MTR Halts Work at Tung Chung West Station Over Defective Column Repairs
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
MTR Corporation has ordered the suspension of remedial work at the Tung Chung West station construction site after discovering that approximately 30 concrete pillars at platform level were repaired using an unapproved method without prior authorisation. Routine inspections in October uncovered gaps of up to 30 centimetres that had been filled with patching materials without MTR approval. The Highways Department has demanded a detailed investigation report from MTR within two weeks, while maintaining that the 2029 opening target for the Tung Chung Line extension remains unchanged.
Key Points
- MTR discovered during routine inspections in October 2026 that the main contractor Bouygues-Dragages Joint Venture had carried out unauthorised remedial works filling gaps of up to 30cm at column heads at the platform level of Tung Chung West station .
- The corporation immediately instructed the contractor to suspend the works and launched an investigation to assess the condition of columns across different zones at the station's platform and concourse levels .
- The Buildings Department's registered structural engineer had already identified a defective pillar in early October, prompting MTR to file a report with the Highways Department on November 2 .
- The Highways Department sent officers to inspect the site on November 3 and 4, met with MTR on November 7, and demanded a detailed investigation report within two weeks .
- MTR stressed that the identified issue does not affect the safety of the completed structure and that the main contractor will bear all costs of rectification, with work to resume only after MTR and other necessary approvals are obtained .
Why It Matters
This incident is the latest in a string of construction scandals plaguing Hong Kong in recent months, including faulty lift installations, missing reinforcement bars at a luxury development, and substandard concrete at a public housing estate, exposing gaps in government oversight of industry practices . The Highways Department emphasised that while the Tung Chung Line extension is being taken forward under MTR's ownership approach with MTR responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, the department will continue risk-based inspections to monitor progress, safety, and quality .
This incident is the latest in a string of construction scandals plaguing Hong Kong in recent months, including faulty lift installations, missing reinforcement bars at a luxury development, and substandard concrete at a public housing estate, exposing gaps in government oversight of industry practices . The Highways Department emphasised that while the Tung Chung Line extension is being taken forward under MTR's ownership approach with MTR responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, the department will continue risk-based inspections to monitor progress, safety, and quality .