What it should have been

ST Explains

- Kok Yufeng

The Straits Times explains what a track point fault entails and why such faults can have a major impact on rail operations.

WHAT IS A TRACK POINT FAULT?

A track point is a railway switch that allows trains to change tracks. Track point faults are malfunctions of these switches, and they typically involve a key piece of trackside equipment called a point machine.

However, there have been occasions when an issue with a point machine was categorized as a "track fault", which is a broader term that encompasses other track issues such as rail cracks.

For example, what was said to be a track fault on the North-South Line (NSL) on Feb 6, 2023, was later attributed to a piece of granite that got stuck on the underside of a point machine near Woodlands MRT station.

WHAT IS A POINT MACHINE?

A point machine is a device weighing 90kg that is installed at rail junctions to control the movement of railway switches, ensuring they are correctly positioned.

These devices are usually controlled automatically by the MRT line's signalling system, and they push and pull a piece of moveable rail that guides trains onto the right track.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A POINT MACHINE TO FAIL?

Singapore Institute of Technology associate professor Andrew Ng, who has done research on railway technologies, said a point machine can fail due to reasons such as worn components and faulty electrical connections.