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When the North East Line came to life on 20 June 2003, everyone waited with bated breath in anticipation of Asia's first fully automated underground heavy rail system. Construction work started in 1997 and completed five years later at the end of 2002. Its completion marked the LTA's commitment towards building a comprehensive rail network for a connected Singapore. It's the second major MRT line to be built, since the completion of the main MRT network in 1990. Affectionately known as NEL, this 20-km line links communities
living in the North-east of the island. NEL provides a convenient,
comfortable and fast connection for residents in relatively young
estates, like Sengkang and Punggol, to the city centre.
Nine of the 16 stations have been built to cater for comprehensive integrated urban developments. Take a walk through Sengkang, HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut stations and you will be amazed to see how you can zip from train to bus and taxi or to the office within minutes. These are major interchanges or what's called transport hubs. The empty space you see in these hubs are not going to waste.
They're there to cater for future developments.
Designed with the needs of commuters in mind, the NEL is also equipped with the latest in safety innovations. Trained staff stationed at the Operations Control Centre (OCC) keep a close watch on the running of trains via the train information management system. It allows them to keep close tabs on the trains' light conditions, brake, engine, air-conditioning and such. Installed in each train car are also two closed circuit televisions (CCTV) which allow staff at the OCC to monitor the on-goings in the train. In the event of an emergency, passengers can communicate with central operators via the Passenger Emergency Communication (PEC) system, which is conveniently located next to every other train door. Television screens are also installed to furnish commuters with real-time travel information and updates on which station is fast approaching. Doors also have auto-stops to prevent last-minute passengers from being caught. Two detrainment doors at each end of the trains allow commuters
to exit from the train in the event of an emergency. Should the
need arises, there are also Emergency Train Stop plungers strategically
located at the stations' platforms.
Last Updated on 21/06/2008 |
Described
as 'an engineering feat', the construction of Chinatown
Station proved to be an uphill task. Located below very
busy roads, traffic routes had to be maintained throughout
construction. While ensuring that the old shophouse structures
nearby had to be left untouched, we also had to be mindful
of the major water, sewage, telecom and electrical utilities
that run across and along the station blueprint.
