A number of incidents on the MTR overhead line systems occurred in late 2013 and early 2014, including breakage of support bracket tie wire at Tseung Kwan O Line and breakage of insulators at East Rail Line and Light Rail. In respect of these incidents, the MTRCL engaged an independent expert to carry out a comprehensive review on the overhead line systems to find out the root causes.
The RB, with the assistance of another independent expert, assessed the review outcome of MTRCL. RB recommended MTRCL to enhance the quality assurance and control process in managing the procurement of overhead line components, including the insulators. MTRCL should also specify the technical specifications and testing requirements for the components during the procurement process and ensure that the components passed necessary inspections and tests.
The RB also recommended that MTRCL should enhance its asset management system for the overhead line insulators to facilitate future tracking and management of these insulators. These recommendations were adopted and implemented by MTRCL. The RB’s assessment results were reported to the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways under the Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council on 2 January and 6 March 2015.