Code of Practice for Railway Protection

This part covers the general information related to railway matters which are essential in preparing proposals for Authority’s approval.

The handbook is written in an easy-to-read manner, and it contains supplementary materials such as photographs, diagrams, explanatory notes, case examples, etc. to illustrate the interpretation of the technical requirements in this Code.

Under the Rapid Transit Systems (Railway Protection, Restricted Activities) Regulations (the RPRA Regulations), any person intending to carry out restricted activities in the railway protection zone shall obtain prior written permission from the Authority before commencement of works on site.

To offer guidance to any person proposing to carry out restricted activities in the railway protection and safety zones, the Authority has published a document entitled “Guide to Carrying out Restricted Activities within Railway Protection and Safety Zones”. The submission requirements for obtaining the Authority’s permission to carry out any restricted activities and the suggested safety considerations are given in this publication.

The guidebook provides additional guidance to private developers, qualified persons, builders and parties who intend to carry out development and building works above and/or adjacent to the rapid transit systems which involve modification to existing rapid transit system structures, facilities and systems, but are not familiar with the regulatory requirements, processes and procedures with some basic information on how to approach, plan, design, construct and implement the requirements.

The submission processes stipulated in this guidebook are applicable to any development works by private developers where the proposed development is integrated with existing rapid transit system. It also contains the submission requirements and technical design requirements to be complied with by private developers and his appointed qualified person and/or builders.

Quick Guides are published to facilitate a deeper understanding of specific issues on LTA’s requirements for railway protection. This series is meant to complement LTA’s existing resource publications and presents bite-sized information in an engaging manner.

The IDC defines the criteria and parameters for design and construction of Land Transport Facilities for the Authority. Some chapters and annexes of the IDC are not available for download. The full IDC will only be issued to parties contracted with LTA.

The CDC contains requirements for the design and detailing of all Civil Engineering Works to meet the following objectives: they shall be safe, robust, economical, durable, with operation and maintenance costs reduced to a practicable minimum, and shall be fit for purpose.

The Materials & Workmanship Specifications define the basic standards for the quality of materials and workmanship required by the Authority for architectural, civil and structural works.

For the purpose of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:

“above ground structure” shall include viaduct, bridge, abutment and any rapid transit systems station which adjoins the railway viaduct;

“alternative solution” means a solution which complies with the performance requirements other than by reason of complying with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions;

“amendment plan” has the same meaning as in the Rapid Transit Systems (Development and Building Works in Railway Corridor and Railway Protection Zone) Regulations;

“assessment method” means a method used for determining or establishing that a development solution complies with the performance requirements;

“at grade structure” shall include any rapid transit systems station where the platform level is at ground level, on embankment or in cutting and any section of the railway with tracks at ground level, on embankment or in cutting;

“Authority” means the Land Transport Authority of Singapore established under the Land Transport Authority of Singapore Act 1995;

“building worfis” has the same meaning as in the Building Control Act 1989; “deemed-to-satisfy provisions” means the provisions contained in Part III Section 3

of this Code which are deemed to comply with the performance requirements;

“solution” means a solution which complies with the performance requirements and is:

(a)     an alternative solution; or

(b)     a solution which complies with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions; or

(c)      a combination of (a) and (b)

“development” has the same meaning as in the Planning Act 1998.

“expert judgement” means the judgement of an expert (or group of experts) who has the relevant qualifications, substantial knowledge and experience in a particular subject/ field to determine whether a development solution complies with the performance requirements. The appointed expert shall be approved by the Authority;

“registered surveyor” means a person registered under the Land Surveyors Act 1991 and has a valid practising certificate issued by Land Surveyors Board;

“objectives” mean a statement contained in this Code that forms the aim of the Authority in safeguarding the railway;

“performance requirement” means a requirement which states the level of performance which a development solution must meet;

“professional engineer” means a person registered under the Professional Engineers Act;

“plan”, in relation to any development or building works, means a document containing any drawing, details, diagram, calculation, structural details or structural calculation showing or relating to the development or building works;

“qualiffied person” means a person as defined in the Building Control Act 1989; “railway area” has the same meaning as in the Rapid Transit Systems Act 1995;

“railway corridor” means the part of the land or area that is within 40 metres from the outermost edge of any part of a railway area;

“railway protection zone” means that part of the land or area which is within 40 metres from the outermost edge of any part of the railway that is on, above or below the ground;

“railway safety zone” means the land delineated as such in plans and maps prepared by the Authority pursuant to Regulation 4 of the Rapid Transit Systems (Railway Protection, Restricted Activities) Regulations;

“rapid transit systems” has the same meaning as in the Rapid Transit Systems Act 1995;

“restricted activities” has the same meaning as in the Rapid Transit Systems (Railway Protection, Restricted Activities) Regulations;

“sub-aqueous structure” shall include any rapid transit systems structure beneath river or sea;

“the Regulations” means the Rapid Transit Systems (Development and Building Works in Railway Corridor and Railway Protection Zone) Regulations as amended from time to time;

“transition structure” shall include any rapid transit systems structure that occurs between underground structure and above ground or at grade structure;

“underground structure” shall include inter-alia any rapid transit systems underground station, bored tunnel, cut and cover tunnel, interchange shaft, pedestrian passage, cross passageway between tunnels and emergency escape shafts;

“veriffication method” means a test, inspection, calculation or other method that determines whether a development solution complies with the relevant performance.

The appointed qualified person may consult the Authority on any requirements relating to railway protection before making any formal application for approval.

Any preliminary consultation with the Authority or submission of plans shall not be taken as approval or disapproval of the proposed development or to be construed as having the agreement of the Authority.

Registered Architects or Professional Engineers is required to fill up the Consultation Request Form and email to the DBC Officer-In-Charge (OIC) assigned to the project with supporting documents. The assigned OIC’s name and email address can be obtained from the DBC Officer Search page available on the Authority’s website.

The appointed qualified person may submit the application to the DBC officer for the viewing of rapid transit systems as-built drawings at the Authority’s Office. The application shall be accompanied by the following items:

1. Qualified person’s appointment letter from the owner/developer;

2. Qualified person’s e-CORENET registration record as a member of the project; and

3. Plan showing location of the proposed works with brief description.

The railway protection plan shows graphically whether “selected” approved cadastral lots fall within or within the vicinity of the Railway Safety Zone and Railway Protection Zone and Railway Corridor. Plans delineating the Railway Corridor and Railway Protection and Safety Zones are available for viewing by the public free of charge at the following address:

Development & Building Control Department

Land Transport Authority

251, North Bridge Road Singapore 179102

Please note that the viewing is by appointment only. Alternatively, the public can view and purchase the railway protection plan via INLIS.

The information on the plans is indicative only. Details and exact location of the rapid transit system structures must be verified on site.

The information on the plans is provided “as is” and “as available”. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, the Authority does not warrant their adequacy and completeness and expressly disclaims liability for any error or omission.

The plans may be modified, deleted or replaced from time to time and at any time in the absolute discretion of the Authority.

The Authority shall in no event be liable for any damages, losses or expenses including without limitation direct, indirect, special or consequential damage or economic loss arising from any reliance on the information on the drawings.

Sample of a railway protection plan showing the “selected” approved cadastral lots fall within or within the vicinity of the Railway Safety Zone and Railway Protection Zone can be found in Figure 1. Sample of a railway protection plan showing the “selected” approved cadastral lots fall within or within the vicinity of the Railway Safety Zone and Railway Corridor can be found in Figure 2

Explanatory note

1. The “selected” lot’s text is reflected in red.

2. Portions of land falling within the railway protection and safety zone is shaded in light blue.

Explanatory note

1. The “selected” lot’s text is reflected in red.

2. Portions of land falling within the railway corridor and safety zone is shaded in light blue.

3. Land not included in the plan is shaded in grey.

The railway reserve lines are defined and illustrated in Figure 3 – 6.

This part covers the submission procedures and requirements for obtaining the approval for development and building proposals, the permit to commence engineering works and the clearance for the release of certificate of statutory completion for works in the railway corridor and the railway protection zone.

The general submission process for any development work in the railway protection zone and railway corridor is as shown in Appendix A.

All submissions pertaining to railway matters shall be submitted via e-CORENET platform, unless otherwise advised by the Authority.

This section stipulates the procedures and requirements for obtaining approval for a development proposal in the railway protection zone and railway corridor.

Application for approval of development proposal in the railway protection zone and railway corridor shall be submitted to the Authority for approval in accordance with Regulation 4.

An application for the approval of development proposal shall be accompanied by the following items:

1. Plan for development works;

2. Preliminary Engineering Assessment;

3. Certified survey plans (applicable for critical development involving tunnelling, piled foundation, basement construction, etc. within the first reserve of underground rapid transit system structures); and

4. Relevant documents indicating planning approval from the competent Authority.

The qualified person shall sign on every sheet of the plans. This requirement shall also apply to plans submitted electronically.

Site and layout plans shall show the following items:

1. Scale of plans;

2. Location and clearances of the proposed development works in relation to the rapid transit system structures (or railway area if applicable);

3. First, second and third reserve lines of the rapid transit system structures (where applicable); and

4. Basement outline (if any).

Sections and elevations shall show the following items:

1. Scale of the plans;

2. Platform levels of the proposed development works;

3. Minimum horizontal and vertical clearances between proposed development works and the nearest rapid transit system structures (or railway area if applicable); and

4. First, second and third reserve lines of the rapid transit system structures (where applicable).

A Professional Engineer (Civil) should be engaged at this stage to carry out a preliminary engineering assessment of the effects of the development proposal on the rapid transit systems. The appointed Professional Engineer (Civil) is encouraged to initiate a consultation meeting with the Authority (please refer to Part 1, section 3 on consulting LTA) to discuss his proposal before submitting a formal application.

In the event when the rapid transit system structure is yet to be constructed within the railway corridor, the evaluation report shall include an assessment of the likely effects of the construction and operation of the proposed rapid transit systems on the proposed development. The report must clearly demonstrate that the design of the proposal has taken into consideration the effects due to the construction and operation of the proposed rapid transit systems.

A copy of the engineering evaluation report, accompanied by plans for engineering works, endorsed by the appointed Professional Engineer (Civil) shall be submitted together with the application for the approval of development proposal.

Certified survey plans are applicable for critical developments involving tunnelling, piled foundation, basement construction, etc. within the first reserve of underground rapid transit system structures.

Certified survey plans shall be prepared and endorsed by a registered surveyor after conducting a physical geometric survey of the relevant sections of the rapid transit system structures. The procedure for applying access to track and station premises is stipulated under Appendix B.

Certified survey plans related to rapid transit system reserve lines, tunnel geometry and piling/drilling works within first reserve shall be prepared and submitted using Form LTA DBC RAIL-S4A.

Certified survey plans related to structure gauge clearance of equipment installed in rapid transit system tunnel and noise barrier installation at elevated viaduct shall be prepared and submitted using Form LTA DBC RAIL-S4B