Singapore
Train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista to remain disrupted until 1 Oct due to new cracks on East-West Line
Train services on the East-West Line between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations will remain disrupted until at least 1 October after 12 additional cracks were found in rail segments. SMRT and LTA are conducting extensive repairs and safety tests, with full service resumption depending on weather conditions and final assessments.
Train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations on the East-West Line will remain suspended until at least 1 October 2024 following the discovery of 12 new cracks on a stretch of rail previously damaged by a faulty train.
The rail operator SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) issued a joint statement on 29 September, confirming that engineers are working around the clock to restore services along the affected four-station stretch.
According to the statement, full service resumption is subject to weather conditions and the completion of extensive testing to ensure passenger safety.
Initially, SMRT had aimed to restart services by 30 September, but new stress tests conducted on 28 September revealed previously undetected cracks on several rail segments.
As a result, engineers require additional time to replace 10 more segments of rail along the westbound track from Clementi to Ulu Pandan Depot. The authorities emphasized that passenger safety is a priority and full service will only resume after thorough stress tests are completed on 30 September.
The damage occurred on 25 September when a faulty first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries train, in service for over 35 years, was being withdrawn to the depot.
A defective component, known as an axle box, detached from the train’s undercarriage near Dover station, causing the wheels to run off the rail. This led to significant damage along 1.6 km of tracks between Clementi and Dover, affecting trackside equipment, power cables, and rail fasteners. The train also caused a power trip that halted operations across nine MRT stations between Boon Lay and Queenstown, affecting hundreds of thousands of commuters.
Since the incident, SMRT engineers have replaced 33 rail segments and repaired damaged portions of the third rail, which supplies power to the trains.
Engineers have also conducted comprehensive tests on trackside equipment, including point machines that divert trains to different tracks. Despite the progress, the discovery of additional cracks has extended the timeline for repairs.
Testing will involve stress tests using locomotives, simulations of passenger load with sandbagged trains, and inspections of rail integrity after each trial.
Temporary measures to assist affected commuters have been in place since the disruption. Shuttle trains are running every 10 minutes between Boon Lay and Jurong East, and between Queenstown and Buona Vista.
Additionally, free bridging bus services are operating between Jurong East and Buona Vista, and free regular buses are available between Boon Lay and Queenstown.
As of 29 September, the disruption has impacted approximately 2.1 million passengers.
Daily passenger figures affected by the disruption include 358,000 on 25 September, 516,000 on 26 September, 500,000 on 27 September, and 374,000 on 28 September. On 29 September, around 362,000 passengers were estimated to have been inconvenienced.
The faulty train that caused the incident was heading eastwards when it encountered an issue near Clementi station at approximately 9 a.m. on 25 September.
It was redirected westward toward Ulu Pandan Depot for repairs, but its undercarriage component fell near Dover station, causing severe damage as the train made its way back. Engineers discovered a total of 34 rail fractures and extensive damage to the third rail, point machines, and trackside power systems.
The repair work involves replacing the damaged rail segments, conducting stress tests, and ensuring all signalling and power systems function properly.
SMRT and LTA are also running endurance tests using passenger trains loaded with sandbags to simulate the actual weight during peak hours. A track inspection team will be deployed after each test to ensure the rail is safe before services resume.
Commuters are advised to continue using alternative transport arrangements until services are fully restored. SMRT and LTA remain committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of the MRT system as they work towards a targeted reopening on 1 October, pending final tests and weather conditions.
