Experts from Sweden, Japan to assess North-South, East-West Lines’ power system

SINGAPORE — A team of five experts from Sweden and Japan will be conducting an independent assessment of the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) today (July 14).

Checks have so far failed to pinpoint the root cause of a massive 3.5-hour train breakdown on July 7.

The team will focus on identifying the root cause of the power trip and propose areas for improvement, review the current condition of the power supply and trackside installations, as well as provide recommendations to enhance the overall system and its maintenance, said the LTA.

The team comprises four people from design and engineering company Parsons Brinkerhoff in Sweden and a traction power expert from Tokyo-based company Meidensha, which has extensive experience in power supply.

They will also be assisted by LTA and SMRT engineers to analyse data collected by the engineers since the incident.

In a press release today, the LTA said it would brief the team of experts on the disruption, before allowing them full access to the infrastructure and installations along the NSEWL during non-service hours.

The firms were “selected for their wealth of experience in railway engineering and power supply system”, said the LTA.

Parsons Brinkerhoff had previously undertaken the role of consultant for mechanical services on the NSEWL, as well as the electrical and mechanical services on the North East Line, Circle Line and Downtown Line.

Meidensha designed and installed the power supply system on the NSEWL, and is also the contractor providing the power supply system for the northern stretch of the Thomson-East Coast Line.

The team will be led by Mr Mats Onner from Parsons and Mr Hiroto Ikeda from Meidensha,

The independent assessment is expected to be completed in August.