Rail Clips Dislodged from MRT Tracks

Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Transport in light of the recent incidents of rail clips dislodged from MRT tracks (a) how often are the rail tracks inspected; (b) whether the integrity of the tracks has been compromised; and (c) as some early rail tracks were built in 1987, whether the Ministry has a rail track replacement or refurbishment plan to ensure that all tracks are in the best operational condition.

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The Minister of State for Transport (Mrs Josephine Teo) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Member for his question. The operator inspects sections of the track each night to check if the tracks and its components are in good condition. This includes the rail clips that secure the running rails to the timber sleepers. Any clip that is observed to have broken off is replaced immediately upon detection.

The clips do break from time to time. However, as the clips are connected at intervals along the entire running track, a single broken clip ought not to affect the safety of rail operations significantly, as the other clips continue to secure the track. Following the dislodgements, SMRT carried out a check of the entire system and assessed that the safety of the system had not been compromised and that normal train operations could continue. To ensure that safety of passers-by, temporary safety nets have also been put up between Dover and Jurong East Stations to minimise the recurrence of the rail clips dropping from the viaduct.

Nonetheless, we have taken precautions as a result of the dislodgements. LTA has asked the operator to send the broken rail components from the dislodgements to a laboratory to analyse how the damage may have occurred as an additional check. The operator will also be required to give LTA a full report on the incidents in due course.

LTA works closely with the operator on those aspects of the rail infrastructure which require Government funding for replacement. This includes major track replacement or refurbishment plans. On its part, the operator is responsible for checking and maintaining the rail system regularly, including the replacement of individual parts or components that may show signs of wear and tear.

Based on input from SMRT, both LTA and SMRT had already assessed that certain stretches of the MRT system along the North-South Line would need to have the timber sleepers replaced. The implementation details are currently being worked out. Let me assure the House that LTA will continue to work with the operators to ensure that the safety of the system is not compromised.

Mr Alex Yam (Chua Chu Kang): I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. With regard to the dislodgement, other than clips, there has been some feedback as well from areas where the tracks are curved that some of the lining of the undercarriage of tracks have also occasionally dislodged. Are these also under the purview of the SMRT or the operators, or are these under LTA?

Mrs Josephine Teo: I thank the Member for his supplementary question. The SMRT conducts daily checks along the tracks and the LTA independently also conducts checks of the viaducts and the tunnels every two months. If the LTA in this independent check discovered that there are other dislodgements or defects, they would inform the SMRT, the operator, to replace it immediately. That is the working arrangement between the two.

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