Xinyi Line Eastern Extension Fails Pre-Operation Inspection; Taipei Metro Bureau to Continue Improvements

In an effort to launch the Taipei Metro Xinyi Line Eastern Extension by the end of June, the Taipei City Department of Transportation submitted a pre-operation inspection request to the Ministry of Transportation yesterday, but was rejected due to the absence of fire safety approval documents. The Taipei Metro Bureau stated that improvements are underway based on fire inspection results and affirmed that all requirements will be fulfilled before opening, in accordance with the preliminary inspection conclusions.

The Xinyi Line Eastern Extension extends eastward from the tail track of Xiangshan Station along Xinyi Road Section 6 to the Guangci Bo'ai Park area, adding a new terminal station named 'Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station,' with a total length of approximately 1.4 kilometers. Construction began in October 2016.

In May, the Taipei City Department of Transportation announced that the preliminary inspection had been passed, but four items—including fire safety checks—required prior improvements. The bureau planned to submit the formal inspection request to the Ministry of Transportation in early June, aiming for an end-of-June opening if approved and granted an operating permit.

Media reports indicated that the Taipei City Government attempted to rush the inspection despite the station and tail tracks not yet passing fire safety inspections and ongoing excavation work on surface roads. The request was rejected by the Ministry of Transportation for failing to complete required improvements as stipulated in the 'Guidelines for Pre-Operation Inspection of Mass Rapid Transit Systems.'

In response, the Taipei Metro Engineering Bureau issued a press release stating that the preliminary inspection resolution clearly required 'fire safety systems to be completed before the formal inspection and official approval documents to be obtained prior to operation.' The city has completed all improvements as required and submitted the inspection request after confirmation by inspection committee members. It emphasized that there was no case of 'rushing the opening.'

Regarding fire safety inspections, the bureau stated that the application was filed on May 27, and an on-site inspection was conducted by the fire authority on June 4. Corrective actions are currently being implemented based on the inspection findings. The bureau reiterated its commitment to strictly follow the preliminary inspection resolution and will obtain the necessary fire safety approvals before commencing operations.

All deficiencies identified during the preliminary inspection—such as pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, and bus shelters in front of the station—have now been rectified. Remaining facilities and road restoration work will be completed before opening, with no impact on passenger access routes.

The bureau emphasized that all related procedures and the inspection application are being advanced concurrently without conflict. It remains committed to ensuring safety and providing citizens with a secure and comfortable riding environment, striving to launch operations as soon as possible to meet long-standing public expectations.

He Yu-ting, Section Chief of the General Transportation Division at the Taipei City Department of Transportation, stated that after submitting the inspection request yesterday, the Ministry of Transportation responded today, requiring the city to obtain fire safety approval before reapplying. The city will continue advancing procedures with the goal of a June 30 opening. (Editor: Long Bo-an)