Update on Work Done as a Result of Shutting of Train Lines for Scheduled Maintenance

11 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether he can provide an update on the shutting down of train lines for scheduled maintenance; (b) how much additional work has been done during this period; and (c) how many man hours of effort have been achieved during this time.

The Second Minister for Transport (Mr Ng Chee Meng) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, the extended engineering hours have been useful in accelerating the completion of the East-West Line re-signalling project, intensifying maintenance and bringing forward the noise barrier upgrades.

During December 2017 and January 2018, extended engineering hours have provided the equivalent of 40 nights of additional time for the testing and installation of the East-West Line's new signalling system. This would otherwise have taken another one and a half months to achieve. Barring any unforeseen developments, we are on track to complete the re-signalling programme by this June.

Singapore Mass Rapid Transit was also able to step up its maintenance regime, achieving two and a half times the usual volume of maintenance work each weekend along the closed stretches. We have also taken the opportunity to advance noise barrier installation works at roughly one and a half times the usual pace, with the team completing the equivalent of three to four nights of work each weekend.

We are studying how similar additional engineering hours could also help us speed up the renewal of other operating assets on the North-South and East-West Lines, such as the upcoming replacement and upgrading of the power supply system. Meanwhile, we would like to thank commuters for their patience and understanding as we strive to improve our rail reliability.

Mr Speaker: Mr Henry Kwek.

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Nee Soon): I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. I have been speaking to many Singaporeans, not just in my constituency, about how they feel about the scheduled maintenance. So far, the feedback has been that it is a reasonable tradeoff. Of course, maintenance is difficult, but if it is scheduled over the weekends or on public holidays, it is manageable.

My question is, in view of the excellent progress we have made, would the Ministry continue with this approach or even increase the frequency, so that we can upgrade our system even faster?

Mr Ng Chee Meng: I thank the Member for his feedback. I would convey it to our workers on the ground for those positive comments.

Yes, we will continue with this regime for the foreseeable future to expedite the upgrading and improvement works. At the same time, we will minimise inconveniences to commuters by early announcements of the scheduling of either early closures of the line or the entire closure of stretches, so that commuters can make alternate transportation planning. Buses and other alternatives would be made available to commuters.