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Pictured above: Mr Cavinder Bull and his team from Drew & Napier LLC, representing SMRT, leave the Subordinate Courts on Monday. The claw used in MRT tracks is pictured in the insert.
*Latest update: Why wasn't more secure claw used?
SINGAPORE - In the second day of the inquiry into December's MRT breakdowns, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) faced questions concerning its choice of claws used in the MRT tracks.
The Straits Times reported that Committee of Inquiry (COI) chairman Judge Tan Siong Thye asked why an improved version of the current claws was rejected despite it being a more secure choice.
The current claws, used to keep in place the 'third rail' which supplies electricity to trains, are not bolted but are kept in place solely by the weight of the 'third rail'.
SMRT's lawyer Mr Cavinder Bull stated in court that claw supplier Brecknell Willis had presented an improved version which works using a 'split pin locking system' to prevent dislodgement even under severe vibration.
MRTC, the rail builder that eventually became a part of the LTA, had rejected this design in 1987.
According to previous media reports, 21 claws had dislodged causing the third rail to sag resulting in the MRT breakdowns on December 15 and 17.
In response to Mr Bull, LTA's lawyer Mr Andrew Yeo said that they are looking into the matter, as the incident pre-dated the LTA. He added that Brecknell Willis' proposal of the new claw did not include changes to the area where the breakdowns took place. Further, the supplier did not deal directly with MRTC.
MRT disruptions hearings: Day two begins
The second day of the Committee of Inquiry proceedings will see more witnesses taking the stand on Tuesday.
Today's hearing is expected to focus on the MRT disruptions that occurred on December 15.
A national broadcaster reported that ASP Roy Lim, lead investigator of the Criminal Investigation Department, will be today's first witness to testify. He had earlier ruled out sabotage as a reason behind the disruptions.
SMRT train drivers and officers at the SMRT Operations Control Centre who were on duty on December 15 are also expected to testify today.
dassa@sph.com.sg
Photos: 6,500 MRT commuters affected by train breakdowns
Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos.
(Photos: ST, Stomp, TNP) |
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