Taipei Metro's New Extension Fails Inspection with 28 Deficiencies! City Government: Fix Within One Week, Target Opening by End of August

Taipei Metro’s Xinyi Line East Extension takes another step toward opening! On August 1, the Ministry of Transportation completed the operational readiness inspection for the segment extending from Xiangshan Station to Guangci / Fengtiangong Temple Station. The inspection team identified 28 items requiring improvement, with five classified as "must-fix-before-operation." Once Taipei City completes these improvements and receives approval from the Ministry of Transportation, the city will announce the official opening date. The Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated it aims to finish all corrections within one week and target an opening by the end of August.

What issues were found during the inspection? The 28 corrective items are categorized into three levels:

The Ministry of Transportation explained that the inspection team was divided into civil engineering, electromechanical, and operations groups. After on-site inspections, document reviews, and simulation drills, the final assessment concluded with 28 items needing correction. These include five pre-operation mandatory improvements, 13 general attention items, and 10 future reference suggestions.

The five pre-operation mandatory items include defects on ground level, concourse level, and equipment rooms; incomplete finishing of operational facilities; and missing movable guardrails outside platform end doors. The remaining 13 general attention items will be tracked and corrected by the city independently, while the 10 future reference items will inform planning for future route extensions.

Some media initially interpreted the findings as the "most serious" deficiencies. However, the Taipei Metro Bureau clarified that these do not represent major safety hazards but are standard items required to be resolved before opening under inspection procedures.

Can the system respond to simulated emergencies? Drills tested train power loss and passenger injury scenarios

The Ministry of Transportation noted that in addition to on-site inspections, simulation drills were conducted. The scenario involved a train losing power before entering the station, while simultaneously, a passenger’s portable power bank caught fire inside the carriage, causing injuries and involving a wheelchair user. The drill tested fire suppression, evacuation via end doors, casualty rescue, train rescheduling, and emergency response protocols. The entire exercise was successfully completed, demonstrating that the operations team possesses adequate emergency capabilities.

Can the city meet the opening deadline? Metro Bureau vows to fix everything within one week

The Xinyi Line East Extension spans approximately 1.4 kilometers, extending from Xiangshan Station to Guangci / Fengtiangong Temple Station, adding one underground station and an operational tail track. After completing preliminary inspections on May 17, the city progressively addressed pre-inspection corrective actions and formally applied for the final inspection under the Mass Rapid Transit Act. Following formality reviews and preparatory meetings in July, the Ministry of Transportation officially conducted the inspection on August 1.

The Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems stated that despite complex construction conditions, the project has progressed steadily, obtaining fire safety approval in July. During the inspection, passenger flow routes, control center reporting mechanisms, and emergency response procedures operated smoothly, and staff demonstrated professional competence meeting requirements.

For the five pre-operation mandatory items, corrections are expected to be completed within one week. After confirmation by inspection committee members, the city will follow procedures to report to both municipal and central authorities for approval. Once operational permission is granted, preparations for opening will commence. The bureau emphasized that allegations of "rushing to open" or "violating regulations" are unfounded—every procedure has been followed strictly. Administrative processes are being handled concurrently but without compromising safety oversight. The line will only officially open after full assurance of safe operations.

The Ministry of Transportation stated that once the Xinyi Line East Extension opens, the Tamsui–Xinyi Line will officially extend to Guangci / Fengtiangong Temple Station, strengthening metro connectivity between eastern Xinyi District, Taipei Main Station, and Tamsui areas. This will further integrate eastern and western parts of Taipei City, enhance network completeness, and improve commuter convenience.