SMRT needs to carry out more stringent checks on rails: LTA

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The Land Transport Authority said it will require SMRT to carry out more stringent checks and replace the running rails earlier where necessary.

It issued a statement following the fourth incident of a rail crack that has occurred on the North-South/East-West Line in recent weeks.

LTA said it is concerned and is investigating the root causes of the incidents.

During a joint news conference by the LTA and SMRT to address the issue of rail cracks, SMRT said that it has completed ultrasound checks on all rail joints in the system, and no other defects have been found.

As some of the cracks are symptoms of an ageing rail network, more may be expected in the future. However, LTA said safety of passengers will not be compromised.

LTA added that it is too early at this stage to determine if there is any underlying link or systemic issues that contributed to these four recent rail cracks.

SMRT said it has identified 40km of rail which need to be replaced -- the Nort South-East West Line has a total of 400km of rail.

The LTA said it is monitoring SMRT's remedial actions very closely. It is stepping up audits on SMRT's maintenance works -- up from monthly to fortnightly -- to ensure checks are done thoroughly.