No Degree Required: Why I find my graveyard shift work managing maintenance access to MRT tracks rewarding

Singaporeans are increasingly seeking out meaningful, skilled labour, amid a growing push for better recognition and pay for such professions. TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts of young Singapore residents who have chosen careers in manual trades and are thriving. 

Here, Mr Vigneshwaran Gunasegaran, 39, talks about his transition from an army regular to a career in the rail industry. The Institute of Technical Education graduate, who has spent 10 years with train operator SMRT, works the graveyard shift and oversees track access for engineers and technicians.

I started my career as an army regular, serving as an infantry leader and then a trainer at the Specialist Cadet School.

After a decade of service, I embarked on a transformative career shift from carrying rifles to holding a portable radio to manage MRT track access with train operator SMRT.

During my army days, I had fond memories of the years when I took the first train in the morning from Paya Lebar to Joo Koon station to report for duty at Pasir Laba Camp.

I have always been amazed by the punctuality of our trains and the smoothness of the rides captivated me, instilling a deep appreciation for the efficiency of the rail services. It was this admiration that spurred my decision to join the rail industry and contribute to its excellence.

March 10, 2024 marked a significant milestone as I celebrated my 10th anniversary at SMRT Trains.

I started out as a technical officer in a team overseeing re-signalling work and my duties included testing communications-based train control.  

In 2018, I switched to a new role to become a ground controller.

This involved coordinating track access at a specific interchange station along the North-South East-West Line.

Continuing my journey of professional growth, I moved the following year to work in the Operation Control Centre, where I currently serve as a track access controller.

In this role, I am tasked with controlling and authorising track access of all stations on the North-South East-West Line and ensuring adherence to safety protocols when SMRT engineers and technicians carry out their daily maintenance on the tracks, which is in the middle of the night when the trains are not running. 

I monitor track access by using the company’s Track Access Management System which gives me a clear overview of my colleagues on the tracks as well as their movements, so that I can ensure that these abide by safety protocols.

Before track access is given at any point, I have to go through various levels of checks with my colleagues in the Operations Control Centre to ensure that traction power is off, safety protection arrangements are in place and engineering trains stabled at worksite.

Otherwise, this would mean that my colleagues could be exposed to a risk of electrocution at the trackside and be seriously injured.

My highest education qualification is a National ITE Certification in Electronics Engineering (Computer Technology) from the Institute of Technical Education but I hope to be able to pursue a diploma related to rail engineering through a SMRT’s educational advancement programme in the near future.

Balancing the demands of night shifts with familial responsibilities has been challenging but fulfilling.  Since my job requires me to work from about 9pm to 6am in the morning, I plan my schedule well in order to manage my work and spend time with family and friends.

It was initially not easy as my children were young when I first joined SMRT, but with proper time management, I was able to juggle both my work and family responsibilities. I’m lucky that my family and friends see my passion and commitment towards work and support me wholeheartedly. 

As I work at night, I must constantly be alert and attentive on duty as any delay in my response to any track-related issue could impact the safety and timeliness of our operations.

Although my job may be considered a blue-collared one, I find it rewarding because I can see tangible results from my efforts.

From safeguarding colleagues on the tracks to ensuring seamless journeys for commuters, each day presents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Looking back at my journey in SMRT, I am constantly reminded of the profound impact our work has on the community.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Vigneshwaran Gunasegaran was an army regular for 10 years before he joined SMRT, where he is now a track access controller. Married with two children, his hobbies are bowling and badminton.