On April 27, 2025, the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) East Rail Line in Hong Kong faced significant disruptions due to a mechanical failure involving an engineering train near Fo Tan Station. The incident occurred around 5 AM, causing the line between Sha Tin and Fo Tan stations to operate on a single track, which resulted in extended travel times for commuters.
According to reports, the engineering train had just completed maintenance work on overhead cables when a lift platform malfunctioned, preventing it from lowering. This posed a safety issue, as the train was positioned close to the overhead cables, necessitating immediate on-site repairs before the train could be moved. MTR officials stated that the engineering team worked diligently to resolve the issue, which took nearly seven hours.
During the disruption, MTR implemented single-track, two-way traffic arrangements between Sha Tin and Fo Tan stations to maintain some level of service. However, this adjustment led to delays, with travel times to and from Race Course Station and Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations extending by an estimated 10 to 15 minutes.
Before the issue was resolved, trains from Race Course to Lo Wu were running every 10 minutes, while those from Race Course to Tai Wai operated every 5 minutes. Additionally, trains from Tai Po Market to Lok Ma Chau ran every 10 minutes, and services to Lok Ma Chau that bypassed Fo Tan operated every 20 minutes. Passengers traveling to Lok Ma Chau were advised to transfer at Sheung Shui Station to continue their journey.
As the situation unfolded, MTR staff increased personnel at the affected stations to assist passengers and provide up-to-date information. The company also utilized media channels and the MTR Mobile app to keep commuters informed of the latest developments. By around 12 PM, the engineering train was successfully moved to a safe location near the Fo Tan platform, allowing the East Rail Line services to gradually return to normal.
In response to the delays, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) enhanced bus services in the affected areas, including Tai Wai, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Fanling, and Sheung Shui. Cross-border passengers were offered alternative routes, with KMB buses 76 or 276B available to transport them to the San Tin Public Transport Interchange in Sheung Shui, where they could transfer to route B1 for Lok Ma Chau or Futian Port.
Following the incident, MTR expressed its apologies for the inconvenience caused to passengers and emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety and reliability in its services. The engineering train was scheduled to return to the depot for a thorough inspection later that evening. MTR announced that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and to implement any necessary follow-up measures.
The disruption highlighted the challenges faced by public transport systems, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Hong Kong. As the city continues to grow, maintaining the reliability and safety of transportation infrastructure remains a top priority for the MTR Corporation.
Despite the challenges, the MTR's swift response and communication efforts were crucial in minimizing the impact on commuters. Passengers were able to navigate the situation with the assistance of MTR staff and alternative transport options provided by KMB. As the day progressed, services returned to normal, allowing residents to resume their daily activities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs in ensuring the smooth operation of public transport systems. The MTR Corporation's commitment to addressing the issue and improving service reliability will be essential in maintaining public trust and satisfaction.
As the investigation into the mechanical failure continues, MTR is expected to share further updates on the findings and any measures that will be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
