Taipei MRT's Xinyi East Extension Opens After a Decade of Challenges

After nearly a decade of intricate work and overcoming significant obstacles, the Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station, the easternmost point of Taipei's Xinyi MRT line, officially opened its doors on August 30th. The "10" in the date holds special significance, marking not only the opening ceremony but also the nearly 10 years of arduous effort invested in the project.

Chen Jian-ren, director of the Civil Engineering First Engineering Office at the Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems, took on the supervision role in 2018. He witnessed firsthand the entire construction process, from building the diaphragm walls to the final completion. Chen described the initial stages of constructing the diaphragm walls as akin to "opening a blind box," where the condition of the machinery provided clues about the complex underground rock formations. He likened the entire endeavor to "building an MRT in a minefield."

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We had to open it like a blind box. We could only guess the underground rock conditions based on how the machinery was damaged.

The project encountered a cascade of challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, and a scarcity of skilled labor in the water, electricity, and electromechanical sectors. At one point, materials had to be diverted from the Wanda line to alleviate urgent needs. The geological conditions presented a particularly formidable hurdle. The construction site, located on the edge of the Taipei Basin, featured a mix of extremely soft clay and exceptionally hard rock, reminiscent of the famous "Six Giant Rocks" near the Elephant Mountain scenic spot. This necessitated specialized equipment to drill pilot holes and break down rock structures before proceeding with the diaphragm wall construction.

Despite these difficulties, Chen Jian-ren maintained a composed demeanor when recounting the project's history. The construction involved extensive communication with local community leaders and residents, addressing concerns about noise pollution and coordinating work schedules. Over time, the initial complaints evolved into a sense of community support, with residents now approaching construction workers to express their gratitude for their efforts. As the station opens, Chen remains focused on the remaining tasks, including the ongoing work on shared utility tunnels and road restoration, demonstrating a commitment to completing the project thoroughly.

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It was like building an MRT in a minefield.