Rail clip

A variety of different types of heavy-duty clips are used to fasten the rails to the underlying baseplate, one common one being the Pandrol fastener (Pandrol clip), named after its maker, which is shaped like a stubby paperclip. Another one is the Vossloh Tension Clamp.

The newer Pandrol fastclip is applied at right angles to the rail. Because the clip is captive, it has to be installed at the time of manufacture of the concrete sleeper.

The operator inspects sections of the track each night to check if the tracks and its components are in good condition. This includes the rail clips that secure the running rails to the timber sleepers. Any clip that is observed to have broken off is replaced immediately upon detection.

The clips do break from time to time. However, as the clips are connected at intervals along the running track, a single broken clip ought not to affect the safety of rail operations significantly, as the other clips continue to secure the track. Following the dislodgements, SMRT carried out a check of the entire system and assessed that the safety of the system had not been compromised and that normal train operations could continue. To ensure the safety of passers-by, temporary safety nets have also been put up between Dover and Jurong East stations to minimise the recurrence of the rail clips dropping from the viaduct.

Nonetheless, we have taken precautions as a result of the dislodgements. LTA has asked the operator to send the broken rail components from the dislodgements to a laboratory to analyse how the damage may have occurred as an additional check. The operator will also be required to give LTA a full report on the incidents in due course.

LTA works closely with the operator on those aspects of the rail infrastructure which require Government funding for replacement. This includes major track replacement or refurbishment plans. On its part, the operator is responsible for checking and maintaining the rail system regularly, including the replacement of individual parts or components that may show signs of wear and tear.

Based on input from SMRT, both LTA and SMRT had already assessed that certain stretches of the MRT system along the North-South Line would need to have the timber sleepers replaced. The implementation details are currently being worked out.

LTA will continue to work with the operators to ensure that the safety of the system is not compromised.