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MTR Corporation
Hong KongLaw and Crime

Troubled MTR Corp has stopped work in fresh construction scandal on Hong Kong’s HK$97.1 billion Sha Tin-Central rail link, claims lawmaker Michael Tien

Former KCR chairman says issue surrounds insufficient underground support work at new station for Exhibition Centre

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The Sha Tin-Central Link has been beset by numerous problems. Photo: Edward Wong
Phila Siu

Hong Kong’s most expensive rail project was plunged into deeper controversy on Sunday amid accusations of insufficient underground support work at one of the new stations, leading to suspension of the excavation works.

Lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun, quoting anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation, said the MTR Corporation was made aware of the situation at the Exhibition Centre Station for the new HK$97.1 billion Sha Tin-Central Link around two weeks ago.

“The MTR has suspended the excavation works at the station and it must have done so because it considered the incident unacceptable,” said Tien, a former chairman of the rail operator KCR before it merged with the MTR Corporation in 2007.

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Michael Tien says MTR Corp knew as much as two weeks ago about the construction concerns. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Michael Tien says MTR Corp knew as much as two weeks ago about the construction concerns. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

The Highways Department said on Sunday night it had not yet been informed by the MTR about the latest incident but had asked the railway company to give a written reply within 48 hours.

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The department added that the MTR, as project manager of the link, was responsible for the safety and quality of the project.

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