Sengkang MRT/LRT station

This article is about the MRT/LRT station. For the LRT line, see Sengkang LRT line.

Sengkang MRT/LRT station is a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) interchange station in Sengkang, Singapore. It is an interchange between the North East line (NEL) and Sengkang LRT (SKLRT). Along with Buangkok station, it is located within the Sengkang planning area.

NE16  STC  Sengkang 盛港 செங்காங்
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) / Light Rail Transit (LRT) interchange
The passenger service centre at the concourse of the station
General information
Location	5 Sengkang Square Singapore 545062[1]
Coordinates	1°23′30″N 103°53′42″E
Owned by	Land Transport Authority
Operated by	SBS Transit Ltd (ComfortDelGro Corporation) (North East and Sengkang LRT lines)
Line(s)	North East Line   Sengkang LRT
Platforms	4 (2 island platforms)[2][3]
Tracks	4 (2 MRT, 2 LRT)
Connections	Bus, taxi
Construction
Structure type	Underground (NEL) Elevated (SKLRT)
Platform levels	2
Accessible	Yes[4]
History
Opened	18 January 2003; 21 years ago (2003-01-18) (LRT East loop) 20 June 2003; 21 years ago (2003-06-20) (North East line) 29 January 2005; 19 years ago (2005-01-29) (LRT West loop)
Electrified	Yes
Passengers
June 2024	39,617 per day[5]
Services
Preceding station Mass Rapid Transit Following station Buangkok towards HarbourFront North East Line Punggol Terminus Preceding station Light Rail Transit Following station Compassvale Clockwise / outer Sengkang LRT East Loop Ranggung Anticlockwise / inner Renjong Clockwise / outer Sengkang LRT West Loop Cheng Lim Anticlockwise / inner
Track layout Legend to Punggol to Cheng Lim to Compassvale L3 (upper)   B1 (lower) to Renjong to Ranggung to Sengkang Depot to Buangkok
Location Sengkang Sengkang station in Singapore

The LRT station opened on 18 January 2003 along with the other East loop stations on the SKLRT,^[a] with the NEL station opening later on 20 June. Services on the West loop began service on 29 January 2005. Upgrades to the station are being implemented to improve barrier-free accessibility to the station. Located at Sengkang Town Centre between Sengkang Square and Sengkang East Way, It is directly connected to Compass One, Compass Heights and Sengkang Bus Interchange, and is within walking distance to the Compassvale Bus Interchange.

History

Sengkang MRT platforms

The station was built to serve the Sengkang New Town developed under a government programme to transform the Sengkang area into a fully mature housing estate.^[6][7] Contract 702 for the construction of Sengkang and Buangkok stationswas awarded to Sato Kogyo-Hock Lian Seng Engineering Joint Venture on 26 April 1997.^[8] The S$166.4 million (US$112.1 million) contract included the construction of 1.6-kilometre (0.99 mi) connecting tunnels between the stations and 1.2-kilometre (0.75 mi) tunnels to Sengkang Depot^[9]

The elevated LRT station opened on 18 January 2003 when the East loop of the Sengkang LRT (SKLRT) started operations.^[10] The underground North East line platforms opened on 20 June that year.^[11] The station began to serve the West loop of the SKLRT when certain stations on the loop^[b] opened on 29 January 2005.^[12]

As part of efforts to improve the overall accessibility of public transport, the overhead pedestrian bridge near Sengkang and other stations^[c] have lifts installed from 2013 onwards to improve barrier-free accessibility to major transport nodes.^[13] A pair of lifts were installed at the Exit B overhead bridge of the station, one at each side of Sengkang East Way.^[14][15] An additional lift was subsequently installed at the other end of the Exit C overhead bridge of the station in 2021. Sengkang station was also the first batch of ten stations to have additional bicycle parking facilities^[d] under the National Cycling Plan announced in 2010.^[16][17]

In 2018, it was announced that the station will be further upgraded, improving barrier-free access to the station, adding new dual-speed escalators leading to the platforms, and new lifts to connect the platforms, concourse and mezzanine levels of the station. As part of the works, the existing staircase from the concourse to the LRT platform is being rebuilt to make way for an additional lift, and an additional staircase was also built to connect the concourse and mezzanine levels of the station. 2 new escalators were added to connect the MRT platform to the concourse, and another new escalator was added to connect the LRT platform to the mezzanine level. The current LRT platform is being expanded in phases to create a more spacious area for commuters by 2022.^[18][19] New signs and queue markings will be implemented to indicate stopping locations for each of the four LRT routes plying the station.^[20] The new platforms began operations on 29 September 2024, a day earlier than initially planned. NEW Platform 1 will serve the West Loop via SW1 Cheng Lim while NEW Platform 2 will serve the East Loop via SE5 Ranggung.^[21]

Incidents

On 27 February 2020, a power fault along the NEL resulted in service disruptions to the Punggol, Sengkang and Buangkok stations. At 5:36 am, a shuttle train service was provided which operated on a single platform between the Punggol and Buangkok stations. In order to facilitate maintenance works, the power source to the tracks between the Hougang and Punggol stations was switched off. Additionally, shuttle bus services to serve the affected stations were provided. The fault was resolved by 11:49 am and usual service along the entire NEL resumed at 12:14 pm.^[22] Investigations later revealed that a broken contact wire affected the power source to trains launching from Sengkang Depot, causing the service disruptions.^{[23][24][25][26]}

Station details

Location and name

The station is in Sengkang New Town along Sengkang Square.^[1][27] The station serves the developments of Compass Heights, Compass One and the Sengkang Bus Interchange, and is within walking distance of the Compassvale Bus Interchange, the Kopitiam Square and the Sengkang Community Hub.^[4][28] The station name, Sengkang, means "prosperous harbour" in Mandarin.^[27]

Services

A West Loop-bound LRT train stopping at Sengkang.

The station serves both the Sengkang LRT line (SKLRT) and the North East line (NEL). The official station code is NE16/STC.^[29] On the SKLRT, the station is the terminus for both East loop and West loop services in both directions. The adjacent stations on the LRT line are Compassvale and Ranggung stations on the East loop and Cheng Lim and Renjong stations on the West loop.^[29] Train frequencies range from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the time of the day. The LRT station operates between 5:30 am and 12:30 am daily.^[30][31]

On the NEL, the station is between the Buangkok and Punggol stations.^[29] Train frequencies on the line range from 2.5 to 5 minutes depending on the time of the day. The NEL station operates between 5:45 am and 12:30 am daily, with the first train bound for HarbourFront departing at around 5:45 am and the last train bound for Punggol station departing at 12:28 am.^[30][31]

Design

The station has four levels (two platform levels, mezzanine and concourse ground level).^[27][32][33] It is an integrated hub with the three modes of transport — MRT, LRT and bus — serving the Sengkang area. The MRT/LRT station was the first intermodal station on the MRT network for all three modes of transport.^[34] The simple layout, the atrium-like open layout and glass enclosure in the station design allow visual connections through levels and spaces, making navigation in and out of the station easier.^[35] Besides integrating with transport facilities, the station is fully integrated with the property developments of Compass Heights and Compass Point (now Compass One).^[27][34][36]

Public artwork

T.R.A.N.S.I.T.I.O.N.S. by Koh Bee Liang at the mezzanine level of the station.

As part of the MRT system's Art-in-Transit Programme,^[e] T.R.A.N.S.I.T.I.O.N.S. by Koh Bee Liang, an artwork consisting of two contrasting stained-glass murals, is displayed above ground at the opposite ends of the station mezzanine level. The station is filled with colourful rays as light is filtered through the stained glass windows. The glass murals mark Sengkang's transition from a rural kampung (depicted in "warm nostalgic images of the past") to high-raised buildings (in black and white) that are now part of the landscape. As time goes by, the work also changes throughout the day with the transition of the sun.^[37][38]

The black and white mural of New Sengkang, according to the artist, reflects how "we built up to reach the heavens", without pausing to reflect on the purpose. This is a reference to Singapore's urban renewal, which involves parting of the old and the memories associated with it. The distortions of the new HDB (Housing Development Board) skyscrapers also relate to the fragility of life as a result of the September 11 attacks. In contrast, the Old Sengkang mural, made of opalescent glass, depicts various characters of Singapore's past. The artist, when creating the mural to reflect the past, had conducted various interviews of old residents and used research at the Singapore National Archives for the artwork, in addition to using her experience growing up in a Kampung similar to old Sengkang.^[39]

Notes and references

Notes

1. The other LRT stations are Compassvale, Rumbia, Bakau, Kangkar and Ranggung
2. These stations are the Thanggam, Fernvale, Layar, Tongkang and Renjong LRT stations
3. The other stations are Aljunied, Bishan, Khatib, Kranji and Yew Tee
4. The other stations are: Admiralty, Aljunied, Boon Lay, Chinese Garden, Khatib, Lakeside, Sembawang, Simei and Yishun
5. Public art showcase which integrates artworks into the MRT network

References

1. "Sengkang (MRT Station) - 5 Sengkang Square (S)545062". www.streetdirectory.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
2. "NEL platforms of Sengkang.jpg". Wikimedia Commons. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
3. "LRT tracks leading to Sengkang.jpg". Wikimedia Commons. 21 July 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
4. "Train Service Information". SBSTransit. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
5. "Land Transport DataMall". DataMall. Land Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
6. Leong 2003, p. 178.
7. Housing and Development Board (4 October 2017). "Sengkang | HDB InfoWEB". Retrieved 29 December 2017.
8. "Projects". hlsgroup.com.sg. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
9. "Contracts awarded for four NE-line MRT stations". The Straits Times. Singapore Press Holdings. 27 April 1997. p. 37. Retrieved 26 August 2022 – via NewspaperSG.
10. "Free LRT service in Sengkang". Today (retrieved from NLB). 17 January 2003. Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
11. "North East Line Opens for Passenger Service!". www.lta.gov.sg. 20 June 2003. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007.
12. "Punggol LRT and Sengkang LRT West Loop to Commence Revenue Service on 29 January 2005". SBS Transit. 10 January 2005. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
13. "Improving Accessibility to Public Transport Network Lifts at Selected Pedestrian Overhead Bridges near MRT stations | Press Room | Land Transport Authority". www.lta.gov.sg. 8 March 2011. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016.
14. "LTA Installing Lifts at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges at Six MRT Stations". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013.
15. "Installing Lifts at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges (POBs) Road & Commuter Facilities Projects Roads & Motoring Land Transport Authority". www.lta.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012.
16. "Look out for better bike facilities close to MRT stations". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. 16 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 February 2013.
17. "More Bicycle Parking Facilities with Enhanced Security Features at MRT Stations Islandwide". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. 29 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 July 2014.
18. "Upgrades to Sengkang MRT and LRT stations by 2022: LTA". CNA. 25 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 December 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
19. "Upgrading of Sengkang MRT and LRT Stations for More Comfortable Journeys". www.lta.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
20. "Thomson – East Coast Line 4 to Welcome Commuters from 23 June 2024". LTA. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
21. Yufeng, Kok (19 September 2024). "Sengkang LRT upgrading: Trains to run in only one direction on Sept 28-29". The Straits Times. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
22. Wong, Cara; Yong, Clement (27 February 2020). "North East Line hit by 6-hour power fault, LTA and SBS Transit investigating". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
23. Wong, Cara; Yong, Clement (28 February 2020). "Power fault causes 6-hour disruption on North East Line". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
24. "Power fault causes 6-hour disruption on North East Line". The New Paper. 28 February 2020. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
25. "Power fault disrupts train service along North-East Line during morning rush hour". CNA. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
26. "North East Line (NEL) services affected by power fault - SBSTransit". www.sbstransit.com.sg. Archived from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
27. "North East Line: Sengkang Station". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
28. "Train Service Information". SBSTransit. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
29. "MRT System Map" (PDF). www.lta.gov.sg. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
30. "Transport Tools - MRT/LRT". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 1 November 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
31. "First Train/ Last Train". SBSTransit. 2 June 2020. Archived from the original on 28 November 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
32. "North East Line: Sengkang Station (page 2)". www.lta.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
33. Yeo, Geraldine (20 April 1999). "Travel to be seamless in Sengkang". The Straits Times. p. 4. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
34. Leong 2003, p. 183.
35. "LTA | Getting Around | Public Transport | Rail Network | North East Line". www.lta.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 1 November 2019. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
36. "Compass Heights". Frasers Property. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
37. "Getting Around | Public Transport | A Better Public Transport Experience | Art in Transit". www.lta.gov.sg. Land Transport Authority. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
38. "Art-in-Transit - SBSTransit". www.sbstransit.com.sg. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
39. Tan 2003, p. 158–159.

Bibliography

• Leong, Chan Teik (2003). Getting there : the story of the North East Line. Singapore: Land Transport Authority (LTA). ISBN 981-04-5886-X. OCLC 53383062.
• Tan, Su (2003). Art in transit : North East Line MRT - Singapore. Singapore: Land Transport Authority. ISBN 981-04-7384-2. OCLC 52771106.

External links

• Media related to Sengkang MRT/LRT Station at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website