SMRT claims there are similarities between the cracked rail track incidents

The train operator has been investigating the problem to prevent any similar delays and post analysis and has discovered that both cracks occurred at joints located on a curved track and welded between old and new rails - reported The Straits Times. It also revealed the welding works were done by the same contractor - Gates PCM Construction.

The two incidents occurred between Orchard and Somerset MRT on April 29^th and once again last Saturday between Toa Payoh and Braddell.

In the wake of these incidents SMRT Vice-President for Corporate Marketing and Communications, Kalai Natarajan, revealed through a statement yesterday that the entire North-South and East-West Lines will be inspected thoroughly to detect potential rail cracks - especially on rail joints that share the same characteristics as the cracked two.

According to the local gazette, there are up to 200 of these suspected joints across both lines that it plans to inspect by the end of this week, and will investigate the problem based on four areas - material, workmanship, stress factors and welding process. SMRT will send the welded materials back to its laboratory for tests.