Singapore
Train disruption on Bukit Panjang LRT Line on 22 Oct due to immobilised train, says SMRT
In a Facebook update, train operator SMRT revealed that an immobilised train near Teck Whye station caused significant disruptions to services along the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) line on the evening of 22 October. The incident occurred around 5:20 pm, impacting commuters during a typically busy period.
SINGAPORE: An immobilised train near Teck Whye station caused significant disruptions to services along the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) line on the evening of 22 October, according to an announcement from train operator SMRT.
In a Facebook update at 7:05 pm, SMRT reported that the incident occurred at approximately 5:20 pm when a train became immobilised on the BPLRT.
Staff were promptly dispatched to assist affected commuters, and all passengers on the defective train were safely disembarked at the Teck Whye station platform.
To resolve the issue, a rescue train was deployed to move the faulty train to the depot.
However, the rescue train also experienced a stall while returning to the depot, further complicating the situation.
Despite the disruptions, SMRT assured commuters that a degraded train service remained available, providing a single train shuttle service between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang stations.
Service along the loop side between Bukit Panjang and Senja stations via Service A and Service B was not affected.
SMRT apologised for the inconvenience caused to commuters and announced that free regular bus services between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang stations were available.
In-train and station announcements were being made to keep passengers informed.
Earlier in the evening, SMRT had announced the train fault at 5:56 pm, impacting commuters during a typically busy period.
A photo circulating online, reportedly taken at Teck Whye, showed an LRT train pushing another train from behind.
This incident marks the latest in a series of disruptions affecting parts of Singapore’s public transport system managed by SMRT.
Earlier in October, another significant breakdown occurred on the East-West Line (EWL), with train services delayed on 10 October.
On that occasion, a first-generation westbound Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) train broke down near Tiong Bahru MRT station at around 12:30 PM, causing delays for commuters.
All passengers safely disembarked at Outram Park station, and train services were restored by 1:22 PM after the train was moved to a depot. The incident was attributed to an electrical fault.
These breakdowns follow an even more severe disruption on 25 September, when a faulty KHI train caused significant damage to tracks and trackside equipment on another section of the EWL.
That incident, which required repairs over six days, impacted 2.6 million commuters. Many passengers, including students, faced delays, with some reportedly late for their exams.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that thorough checks were carried out on the first-generation KHI trains following the September incident to ensure they were fit for service.
The Bukit Panjang LRT line, which opened in 1999, is part of Singapore’s Light Rail Transit system. These lines are designed to act as feeder services to the heavier Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.
