How Singapore's Deepest Mass Rapid Transit Station Was Built | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore
• Underground station construction challenges
• Vertical transportation solutions (escalators, lifts)
• Passenger flow management
• Station design and aesthetics
• Routine maintenance and safety checks

1. MRT Evolution and the Bencoolen Station Challenge:

• Singapore's MRT started in 1987 with five stations on the North-South Line to alleviate congestion.
• Early lines were mostly above ground, but increasing density necessitated underground expansion.
• Bencoolen station, part of the Downtown Line (stage three), is one of the deepest (43m underground) and most challenging to construct due to its location in the central business district with limited surface space.
• Architect Azlan faced the challenge of building within a complex underground zone, layered with intersecting train lines, utilities, and dense urban infrastructure.
• The station's tunnels had to navigate between junctions at Sungei Road (Sungei Road River, North East Line, Circle Line) and Fort Canning (Dhoby Ghaut station, North-South Line, Circle Line).

2. Vertical Transportation and Escalator Design:

• Moving thousands of people vertically equivalent to a 15-story building posed a significant challenge.
• Bencoolen station uses 22 escalators to link street level to the platform.
• Optimal escalator design considerations:
  • Efficient operation at a maximum height of 6m.
  • Ideal incline of around 30 degrees for safety and ease of use.
  • Longer escalators require more space, structure, and power.
• Due to the station's compact design, the team had to work with the optimal vertical length for escalators.

3. Passenger Flow Management and Station Staff:

• Station staff, like Stacy at the passenger service center, play a crucial role in managing passenger flow and ensuring smooth system operation.
• Stacy provides assistance to passengers, monitors the system, and maintains "dual vision" to be aware of both internal and external situations.
• She proactively assists confused passengers, especially tourists, by providing directions and guidance.
• Example: Guiding a passenger from Bencoolen to Pasir Panjang via Chinatown transfer.

4. Overnight Maintenance and Safety Checks:

• After the last train, technicians conduct routine maintenance and safety checks.
• Platform screen doors are inspected for alignment and response time to ensure precise train stops and smooth boarding.
• Fare gates are checked for sensor, motor, and barrier timing functionality to ensure seamless tap-in and tap-out processes.
• The goal is to identify and address potential faults before they cause disruptions.

5. Station Design and Aesthetics:

• The design aims to create a sense of delight and make the deep station feel welcoming.
• The color scheme uses shades of orange to reflect the striations of the Earth as one descends deeper underground.
• Curved station walls provide a sense of direction and allow passengers to see where they are going.
• Colored glass lift doors (crimson/reddish) are used to enhance the feeling of descending into the depths of the Earth.
• These subtle design elements contribute to a seamless and intuitive passenger experience.

6. Conclusion:

Bencoolen station exemplifies the evolution of Singapore's MRT system, adapting to the challenges of a growing city by going deeper underground. The station's design, engineering, and daily operation are carefully orchestrated to ensure efficient passenger flow, safety, and a positive user experience. From the strategic placement of escalators to the thoughtful use of color and curvature, every detail is considered to make the journey seamless and intuitive. The dedication of station staff and technicians further ensures the reliable operation of this complex underground infrastructure.