EWL disruption enters day 6: LTA says damaged rail segments replaced as repairs continue

SINGAPORE: Work to restore train services along the four-station stretch of Singapore’s East-West MRT Line is progressing as all damaged rail segments between Clementi and Ulu Pandan Depot have now been replaced, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed on Monday (30 September).

This update follows extensive repair efforts to address damage caused by a faulty train that severely disrupted services between Jurong East and Buona Vista last Wednesday (25 Sept).

In a Facebook post, LTA noted that not only had the affected rail segments been replaced, but the third rail, which supplies power to the trains, was also reinstated.

A series of critical tests have already been completed, including a stress test involving a locomotive to ensure the integrity of the newly installed rails.

According to the authority, an endurance test began on 30 September, simulating a fully packed train by loading a train with sandbags and running it across the repaired tracks.

Another key procedure, known as an "electric meggering" test, was also completed.

This test confirmed that both the third rail and the rail that trains run on were adequately insulated, allowing engineers to safely switch on the traction power supply.

Train services have been down along this vital MRT corridor since 25 September, impacting approximately 2.1 million passengers.

Rail operator SMRT, together with LTA, is targeting 1 October to resume operations, pending favorable weather conditions and successful completion of final tests.

Initial plans to restore services by 30 September were delayed after stress tests conducted on 28 September revealed 12 additional cracks in rail segments that had not been replaced earlier, forcing engineers to replace a further 10 sections of rail.

The disruptions stem from an incident on 25 September involving a faulty first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries train, which has been in service for more than 35 years.

The train encountered a fault near Clementi station at around 9am, and while it was being withdrawn from service and redirected towards the Ulu Pandan Depot, a defective component in the train’s undercarriage, known as an axle box, dislodged near Dover station.

This led to the wheels running off the track, causing extensive damage to both the tracks and trackside equipment.

The incident caused significant structural damage, including 46 rail fractures over a 2.55km stretch of track, and led to a power trip that stalled other trains on the line.

It also damaged three point machines and stretches of the third rail, in addition to causing damage to power cables and rail fasteners, further complicating the repair efforts.

In a separate update posted on the morning of 30 September, SMRT confirmed that its engineers had successfully completed ultrasonic testing of rail welds.

This process involves measuring the reflection of high-frequency sound waves to inspect the integrity of the welded joints.

Additionally, the operator stated that the train endurance tests, which form part of the final stage of testing, were currently under way.

The full restoration of services now depends on the results of these endurance tests and favorable weather conditions.

The repairs are part of ongoing efforts by SMRT and LTA to ensure that passenger safety is prioritized before train services resume.

Once services are restored, SMRT has indicated that all necessary safety checks and repairs will have been thoroughly completed to ensure reliable service for passengers on this critical stretch of the East-West MRT Line.