Hong Kong MTR to replace faulty cables that led to August delay on Kwun Tong Line
Disruption was ‘unforeseen’ and switch was not made earlier because of ‘complications and risks’, source says
Up to 3km of data cables operated by Hong Kong’s rail giant would be replaced this month following a serious system malfunction that led to service disruptions and commuter chaos in August, a source within the company said on Thursday.
The faulty cables are expected to be replaced by fibre optics.
Signalling fault forces delays in services on Hong Kong Kwun Tong MTR line
According to the report by an executive panel, typhoons and heavy rainfall had exacerbated the problem. The review raised three major suggestions including the replacement of cables to be completed by this month.
The source said MTR Corporation had accepted the recommendations, but he did not reveal whether any personnel would be held responsible for the incident.
“It was a rare and unforeseen situation,” he said.
“The way the cables were laid could have led to water damage, especially when the system was installed so long ago.”