Water Leak at MRT Station Sparks Inspection Concerns in New Taipei City

New Taipei City Councilor Liao Yi-kun has raised concerns about water leakage at Dingpu Station, a transfer point between the Banqiao and Sanying MRT lines. During heavy rainfall on August 16, water entered the transfer channel, creating a situation described as "raining inside as well as outside," which Liao stated significantly undermined public confidence.

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The situation at the scene was as if it was raining heavily outside and raining heavily inside, which was very damaging to confidence.

Liao questioned how the station passed its inspection process, especially considering the increasing frequency of intense rainfall. He argued that such weather conditions should be a standard consideration during the design and inspection phases of public infrastructure. The councilor pressed the New Taipei City Mass Rapid Transit Bureau on potential design flaws and whether adequate testing for persistent heavy rainfall had been conducted.

Li Zheng-an, director of the MRT Bureau, clarified that the station is currently in its trial operation phase and has not yet undergone final acceptance testing. He explained that the leakage occurred because the heavy rain overwhelmed the drainage capacity of the terrace, causing water to overflow the barrier. Li assured that the bureau would address the issue by increasing the height of the water-blocking barrier to prevent future occurrences.

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It hasn't been inspected yet, the current project has not yet entered the inspection stage, we've started operations first.

The MRT Bureau further elaborated that according to the Mass Rapid Transit Act, operations can commence after engineering checks, preliminary and final inspections, and obtaining an operating permit from the Ministry of Transportation. The Sanying Line has met these requirements. However, the bureau acknowledged that the leakage point involves multiple interfaces within a shared development building and pledged to enhance patrol frequency and review the situation. They also committed to holding the contractor accountable according to the contract.

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It hasn't been inspected yet, the current project has not yet entered the inspection stage, we've started operations first.