The weather held up on the third day of the East-West Line (EWL) MRT train disruption, allowing engineers to install a new rail at Dover station. This follows extensive damage to the track and trackside equipment between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations. Photos shared on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Facebook page on Friday, 27 September, showed workers installing the new rail. The post highlighted the collaborative efforts of LTA’s engineers, contractors, and SMRT’s team in replacing the damaged track. Due to the broken rails, mechanical jigs were used to move the new rails instead of engineering vehicles. The crew also managed to replace power cables and two out of three damaged point machines. SMRT aims to restore full service by Monday, 30 September.
Background
Train service was first disrupted on 25 September when a Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) train, in service for over 35 years, developed a fault. As it was being withdrawn, it damaged the tracks, including the running rails and a third rail supplying power to the train. On 27 September, it was revealed that 80 double-deck buses were deployed for free bridging services between Buona Vista and Jurong East. Additionally, 620 ground staff from LTA, SMRT, SBS Transit, Tower Transit, and police officers have been managing the crowds since the morning peak period on Thursday.
Installation efforts
The installation of the new rail at Dover station was a significant task. LTA’s Facebook post detailed the challenges faced by the engineers, who had to use mechanical jigs to move the new rails due to the broken tracks. The post read, “LTA’s engineers and contractors, together with SMRT’s team, have been hard at work replacing the damaged track.” The favourable weather conditions on the third day were crucial in facilitating the installation process.
Replacement of equipment
In addition to the new rail installation, the crew successfully replaced power cables and two out of three damaged point machines. This comprehensive repair effort is part of the broader strategy to restore full service on the EWL. The LTA post expressed gratitude to the public, stating, “Thank you everyone for your patience and understanding.”
Future implications
SMRT has set a target to restore full service by Monday, 30 September. This disruption has highlighted the importance of maintaining and upgrading ageing infrastructure to prevent future incidents. The deployment of additional buses and ground staff underscores the need for robust contingency plans to manage such disruptions effectively. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role of regular maintenance and timely upgrades in ensuring the reliability of public transport systems.
