SMRT completes inspection of tunnel doors after metal layer fell on track in 2025 incident
SMRT is working with LTA to carry out renewal works for these doors, particularly on older MRT lines.
SMRT, Singapore's rail operator, conducted a comprehensive inspection of all cross-passage doors in tunnels following a September 2025 incident where a metal layer detached and fell onto the rail track. The incident occurred between Expo and Changi Airport stations on the East-West Line, causing no injuries but highlighting potential hazards to train operations.
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) reported on the matter, revealing that the metal cladding posed a significant hazard due to its thin and flat nature, potentially leading to derailment. SMRT and Land Transport Authority (LTA) are collaborating to renew these doors, particularly on older North-South, East-West, and Circle Lines.
The TSIB found that SMRT was unaware of the wind load requirements for these doors, which were set by LTA at +/-2,000Pa. The affected door, installed in 2016, did not meet these requirements and had a damaged strike plate and lockset. Despite regular inspections every six months, SMRT did not check for splitting or peeling of metal cladding.
The investigation also noted that the metal cladding, glued between two metallic layers, likely had deteriorated glue and was not strengthened enough to withstand wind loads. No alarm was raised by the track circuit detection system as the cladding lay on the left running rail only.
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