The Six Stages to building an elevated MRT line - Systems works (4)

After the structural works to build the physical elements of the station and viaducts are complete, works move on to the subsequent stage of construction - Systems Works. During this phase, equipment needed for the operation of the line is installed. There is a wide range of equipment that is installed and may even include sub-systems that can be quite complex. Join us as we take a brief look at the systems that are installed during this stage of works. 

For this article, we have separated the systems into 2 broad categories - Train & Track systems and Station systems. We'll be taking a look at Train & Track systems first. These pertain mostly to the viaduct systems and depot areas. Tracks are laid and the necessary cabling & circuitry is installed to allow the rolling stock to run smoothly.

Trackwork taking place along the Tuas West Extension on the East West Line around 2015/2016.

Trackwork taking place along the Tuas West Extension on the East West Line around 2015/2016.

Trackwork taking place along the Tuas West Extension on the East West Line around 2015/2016.

28 February 2023 - Display panel at the Jurong Region Line (JRL) Project
Information Centre for contract J150 - trackworks for the JRL.

28 February 2023 - Model of tracks on the JRL viaduct.

28 February 2023 - Track components for the JRL.

28 February 2023 - Track components for the JRL.

In addition to tracks, the next major component under this group are the trains themselves. These are typically delivered to a port by ship where they are then transported by low bed trailer to the line's depot - for the JRL located in Tengah. There, the train undergoes static followed by dynamic tests. Once the individual trainset's performance is accepted, the trainset can be brought out onto the main line for further integration tests under the next phase of works.

Nonetheless, the delivery stage is an important phase as any defects are pointed out to the manufacturer. These must be rectified before the trainset is accepted by the client, in this case being the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

2022 - Delivery of the new batch of Bombardier (now Alstom) trains for the compass
North-South - East-West Lines (NSEWL).
Source: LTA

2022 - Delivery of a new train set for the NSEWL.
Source: LTA

11 September 2012 - A media preview for the then new Downtown
Line train.

The next group of systems pertain to the station systems. These include various equipment systems such as fare collection, lighting & signage and safety equipment that needs to be installed before the station can safely operate.

The installation of platform screen doors/gates and barriers at different stations as a safety measure was once again highlighted with the unfortunate discover of a body on the Punggol LRT tracks this week. Since 2009, all elevated stations on the MRT & LRT lines in Singapore were retrofitted to include platform screen gates at MRT stations and fixed barriers at LRT stations. All new stations would begin service with the features already installed. Likewise, the JRL will begin operations with the platform screen gates installed.

A render of Tengah Park station showing platform screen gates installed.
Source: LTA

A render of Toh Guan station showing platform screen gates installed.
Source: LTA

Installation of platform screen barriers at Bukit Panjang LRT station.
Source: Chee Yam Contractor

8 September 2011 - Retrofitting of a platform screen gate into an existing station at
Choa Chu Kang on the North-South Line.

15 June 2012 - Platform screen doors installed at Bayfront station.

Signage works are another component that are essential for the station's operation. These provide pertinent information, typically helping with wayfinding. Such signs point out directions to commuters of facilities or other landmarks such as other connecting lines. Additionally, they help commuters orientate themselves by announcing the station name.

18 June 2022 - Installation of signage at Outram Park station.

A rail station is a transport facility that houses other types of transport options known as vertical transportation - a fancier name for lifts & escalators. These help with the mass transport of people up and down, rather than horizontally like the trains do - and are essential facilities in rail transit stations.

19 April 2011 - Installation of escalators at Buona Vista station.

We also have other systems that require extensive installation, such as the passenger information displays and CCTV cameras. Both are supported by lengths of cables that likely reach into the tens or hundreds of kilometers long, just that they are often well hidden behind decorative features such as ceiling or wall panels that one barely notices them, if at all.

9 May 2011 - Installation of Passenger Information Displays (LED display box) & CCTV cameras
at one-north station. Notice the absence of the station name signage, which is not yet installed.

Another indispensable facility is the ticketing or top-up machines. Although the LTA has largely forced many commuters to adopt the use of Simply Go, there will still be commuters, such as the elderly or young children, that opt to use the traditional means of travelling using stored value cards. As such, these machines are still likely to be in use for some time to come yet and will need to be installed during this phase of construction.

9 April 2011 - Installation of ticket & top-up machines at HarbourFront station.

We hope that although somewhat brief, this stage of works has allowed you to gain a better understanding of the works that go in to bringing a train line to life. Whether elevated or underground, the processes are largely the same, save for the details within the earthworks and structural works phases. If you have time, do join in our giveaway by heading on over to our Facebook post where all you have to do is answer the quiz & like and follow our page. Hope to see your participation there! Have a great weekend.

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