Bishan Depot

Coordinates: 1°21′19.03″N, 103°51′14.43″E

Bishan Depot (Chinese: 碧山车厂) is a MRT depot located in Bishan.

It comprises a storage yard with a capacity of 53 trains and has an area of 300,000 m². The depot also houses a central maintenance with train overhaul facilities for trains on the North South Line and East West Line. It is also a school for newly recruited staff to train them in their assigned job. It is where the faregate operation department is located. The rolling stock workshop and Tracks 10-12 are the locations where the refurbishment of the Kawasaki C151 trains takes place.

The depot was completed in 1987 by American architect Vikas M. Gore and the 12,000 square metres maintenance area at cost of S$300 million.

SMRT Cram Jam!

On the 11 February 2007, SMRT Organized the SMRT Cram Jam! cum Learning Journey and Charity Bazaar to raise funds for the SMRT Silver Tribute Fund. The Cram Jam took place in the morning seeking an entry into the Singapore Book Of Records by cramming people inside a standard Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 Car (Car used: 2027), a Mercedes-Benz O405G (Hispano Habit) Bus (Registered No: TIB1202K) and a Ssangyong Rodius/Stavic MPV Cab. The Singapore Police Force crammed 550 officers inside the train car, 235 staff from SMRT crammed inside the bus and an amazing 44 Girl Guides Singapore Cadets crammed themselves into the cab. Games and Carnival Food were organized and a 90-minute tour around the Bishan Depot.⁽¹⁾

Incidents

An MRT train (C751B 311/312) has been vandalised in an apparent security breach at a depot.The train was then put into service before the vandalism was discovered.

LTA said that SMRT failed to detect, in a timely manner, the security breach at its Bishan depot and the graffiti on one of its MRT trains on 17 August 2011 and the transport company was fined for the security breach. ⁽²⁾

Upgrading

On 7 March 2012, Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, announced on Committee of Supply Debate 2012 in Parliament that upgrading of existing NSL and EWL depots to be started and completed by 2014.⁽³⁾

References

1. Record-setting feats at SMRT Cram Jam!, SMRT, 11 Feb. 2007
2. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1160140/1/.html Oct 18, 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
3. "COS 2012: Land Transport Updates". Minsitry Of Transport. 7 March 2012.