Taipei MRT Red Line extension faces inspection setback
台北捷運紅線延段面臨檢查延誤
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The planned opening of the eastward extension of the Taipei MRT Red Line by the end of June is in doubt after the project failed to obtain fire safety approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
The extension, which will continue the Xinyi Line eastward, was denied approval after the Taipei City Department of Transportation submitted a site inspection application on Wednesday. The ministry rejected the application the following day, citing incomplete fire safety equipment and documentation, per CNA. The setback prompted criticism from DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen (沈伯洋), who accused the city government of prioritizing public relations over public safety. Responding to the criticism on Saturday, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said the line would not begin operations until all safety requirements had been met. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Longsheng District Community Activity Center, Chiang said the Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems had explained that the inspection application was submitted based on preliminary inspection results and the project’s expected timeline. Chiang said the city would ensure all fire safety requirements are approved before the extension opens to passengers. Asked whether the target opening date at the end of June would be postponed, Chiang reiterated that compliance with safety regulations would take priority over scheduling. The Taipei Department of Rapid Transit Systems said the ministry’s decision specified that all fire safety equipment must be completed and official approval documents obtained before the line can enter service, per CNA. The city government said it has completed the necessary improvements. After confirmation by inspection committee members, the project was resubmitted to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for an official inspection. |
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| Sean Scanlan Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-06-14 |
