SMRT working with the authorities to address vulnerabilities at Bishan Depot

We refer to The Straits Times’ Editorial “Breaches of train depots must stop” dated 3 Dec 2014 and The Straits Times’ Commentary by Christopher Tan “Every breach of security is a show of vulnerability" dated 26 Nov 2014. SMRT agrees with the concerns raised, and would like to assure the commuting public that safety and security of our passengers are of paramount importance.

On 8^th November morning, an SMRT Train Captain discovered graffiti on the exterior of a train at Bishan Depot as part of his pre-operation inspections. SMRT held back the train from operational service, and the incident was promptly reported to LTA and the Police. SMRT is grateful to the Police and the authorities for the arrest of the two men in relation to the graffiti incident. We are currently assisting the Police in their investigations and, as the incident is before the courts, we will not be able to make further comments until the official investigation is completed.

We are determined to ensure the adequacy of security measures at the Bishan depot. The recent breaches point to vulnerabilities that must be addressed. We have noted that the original open design of Bishan depot poses a number of unique challenges because of its size and full visibility from adjacent buildings. It has a fencing perimeter of 6.5 km, and this has been reinforced with enhanced security features following the breach by vandals in 2011. These fences were not found to have been breached in the two recent cases in 2014. Further security measures were, however, put in place within the depot perimeter following the May 2014 graffiti incident.

We have noted that the 30-hectare Bishan depot, built on a concrete platform deck over swampy land which is the flood plain for the Kallang River, has a network of canals and drains running underneath. This presents vulnerabilities that are unique to the Bishan depot. SMRT has been working with the authorities to urgently address the identified points of vulnerability to further safeguard the depot and its transport assets, while keeping in mind the pertinent drainage considerations.

SMRT shares the public concern and anxiety over the recent security breaches in the MRT network. Beyond train depots, there are extensive track lines and station infrastructure that must be protected. Millions of commuters use the network each day and there is obviously a need to balance security imperatives against the efficiency of the public transport network. We will develop, together with national security agencies, an effective strategy that encompasses deterrence, vigilance and swift response against the prevailing threats.

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