In the early hours of January 4, tragedy struck at the upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL) construction site, marking the first reported fatal workplace accident of 2024. According to The Straits Times, a 27-year-old construction worker from Myanmar lost his life after a fall of about 7.5m while installing an unfinished platform. This incident raises concerns about safety measures and prompts a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Incident: Details and Response
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reported that the accident occurred near Jurong West Street 75, the future site of the Gek Poh JRL MRT station. The Singapore Civil Defence Force received a distress call at Block 749 Jurong West Street 73, adjacent to the accident site. The worker, employed by Jiangxi Construction Development, was rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
MOM is actively investigating the incident, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the project’s developer, assisting in the probe. An LTA spokeswoman expressed condolences to the worker’s family and emphasized the seriousness with which safety incidents are viewed. CES_SDC, the main contractor for the project, has temporarily halted work at the construction site.
In response to the tragedy, a safety timeout has been imposed on all LTA work sites, including a suspension of construction activities. This allows for a comprehensive review of safety procedures and includes activities like meetings with workers to reinforce site safety measures. The safety timeout remains ongoing.
Project Overview: Jurong Region Line
CES_SDC, a subsidiary of Chip Eng Seng Corp, holds the contract for designing and constructing the JRL stations in Gek Poh and Tawas. The $226.6 million contract was awarded in 2020 by LTA, encompassing the construction of viaducts along Jurong West Street 75 and between the two stations.
The fatal accident on Jan 4 has led to a temporary halt in construction at Jurong West Street 75. This, coupled with the ongoing safety timeout, may impact the timeline for completing the first phase of Singapore’s seventh MRT line. Originally scheduled for 2026, the completion is now expected in 2027 due to Covid-19-related delays.
Future Prospects: Jurong Region Line’s Impact
Once fully operational in 2029, the 24km-long above-ground rail line will feature 24 stations, extending the MRT network to the Jurong area. The line’s development aligns with the growth of the Jurong Innovation District, Tengah town, and Jurong Lake District.
Daily ridership projections for the JRL are optimistic, expecting an increase from 200,000 in the initial years to more than 500,000. This growth is anticipated alongside the development of key areas, fostering connectivity and accessibility.