Taipei Metro tracks 'fever' over 52°C amid heatwave; inspections confirm safety

Taipei Metro has reported that its tracks have registered temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius due to the ongoing heatwave, triggering automated alerts for inspection. While most of the high-capacity system operates underground and is less affected by weather, elevated sections are monitored closely.

For instance, on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line between Fuxinggang and Zhongyi stations, "track thermometers" are installed beneath the rails. When temperatures reach or surpass 50 degrees Celsius, these sensors send immediate notifications to maintenance personnel for inspection. The system has logged "track high temperature" alerts on May 26 and 27, but subsequent checks confirmed the tracks remain safe for operation.

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Track temperature thermometer can monitor rail temperature. Once it exceeds 50 degrees Celsius, it will trigger a notification to remind maintenance personnel to inspect.

Taipei Metro explained that its steel rails and fastening systems are designed for structural stability and safe travel. Referencing standards from Asian regions and high-speed rail systems, the company set the warning threshold for rail temperature at 50 degrees Celsius. The automated monitoring system provides real-time data, creating a "health diary" for the tracks that analyzes temperature fluctuations against atmospheric conditions to inform future maintenance.

The highest recorded track temperature this May reached 52 degrees Celsius on May 27, surpassing the previous high of 50.1 degrees Celsius in 2021. Maintenance crews have responded to these alerts an average of two to three times per procedure, ensuring the safety of train operations. The metro company noted that while underground sections are insulated, above-ground routes like the Yuanshan to Tamsui segment are exposed to direct sunlight, leading to rapid temperature increases. The Wenhu Line, a medium-capacity line, employs different designs, including concrete track beds and steel structures with expansion joints to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

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The sound of the explosions was related to this incident and did not cause any casualties or property damage.