Braddell MRT Station 4.05

Braddell MRT Station is a Mass Rapid Transit station located on the North South Line in Toa Payoh, Singapore. At the completion of the initial MRT network, it was the first underground station with side platforms due to space constraints.HistoryWhen the MRT system was built in the 1987, SMRT tried to design the track system and position in order to enable the station to have a common platform, like in the mainstream MRT stations. However, the closely built HDB Blocks in Toa Payoh estate meant that the MRT system tunnels had to be constructed directly under Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, following the bend of the road, in the area between Lorong 1 Toa Payoh and Toa Payoh MRT Station. The result made it impossible for tracks to diverge at a common platform station, as the angle Southbound trains would turn when approaching and leaving the station would be too great.It would be unfeasible to change the position of the station, because moving it south would render it too close to Toa Payoh MRT station, while moving it north would be impossible because of surrounding HDB blocks and JTC Flatted factories. This position would be the best for the station, it was thus built with side platforms.Braddell was among the first of five stations opened for operation on November 7, 1987.RobberyThere was a robbery in the station on 7 May 2008. A robber tried to rob from the 7-Eleven convenience store within the station at 3.10 pm, but was instead locked in the shop by the cashier who dashed out of the shop. The robber could not escape and the Police arrived shortly but the robber threatened to commit suicide. The robber was finally apprehended by the police's taser gun and arrested.