{
  "id": 19080394,
  "title": "Stronger concrete needed to fix ‘basic mistake’ of defective MTR station columns: experts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/stronger-concrete-needed-to-fix-basic-mistake-of-defective-mtr",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T03:14:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post-hong-kong",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3373734/stronger-concrete-needed-fix-basic-mistake-defective-mtr-station-columns-experts"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Experts have stated that Hong Kong's railway operator can address the issue of defective MTR station columns by using high-strength concrete. This remedy comes in response to the Buildings Department's revelation that approximately 30 columns at the Tung Chung West MTR station were defective, with concrete failing to reach the upper ceiling and exposing steel reinforcement bars. Engineering sector lawmaker Aaron Bok Kwok-ming, deputy chairman of the Legislative Council's railways subcommittee, emphasized that the filling material must surpass the original design's concrete strength to ensure adequate support. He criticized the contractor for what he deemed a \"basic mistake,\" noting that workers should have easily detected the incomplete work and reported it to the MTR for proper approval and documentation. Chau Sze-kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, also suggested employing high-strength concrete to fill the gaps, although he acknowledged that the method of grouting from the side might have arisen from structural issues or coordination problems. Both experts stressed that the contractor should not proceed with remedial work without discussing and obtaining approval, as it would be crucial for others to understand the materials used in the repair. The substandard concrete columns were determined not to pose a structural risk due to temporary supports for slabs remaining in place. The MTR Corporation has instructed the main contractor, Bouygues-Dragages Joint Venture, to halt the remedial works, with the corporation agreeing to cover all related costs. The Highways Department has requested a detailed report from the MTR within two weeks, while still maintaining the 2029 completion target for the Tung Chung line extension.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong’s railway operator can use high-strength concrete to rectify the structure of dozens of defective columns at a station under construction, an engineer and a construction sector leader have said, describing the shoddy work as a “basic mistake”. Their remarks came after the Buildings Department revealed on Saturday that about 30 columns at the Tung Chung West MTR station were defective…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}