Train services resume on Bukit Panjang LRT line after power rail repairs

SINGAPORE: Train services along the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) line resumed early on 23 October 2024, following a disruption caused by a faulty train the previous evening.

Transport operator SMRT confirmed in a Facebook update at 5:07am that their engineers and technicians had worked through the night to repair the affected section of the LRT line.

The incident began on the evening of 22 October, when a train was immobilised near Teck Whye station at around 5:20pm.

SMRT deployed a "rescue" train to tow the faulty vehicle back to the depot.

However, the rescue train stalled on its way, adding to the disruption.

To facilitate repair works, passenger services along the Bukit Panjang LRT were suspended from 10pm on 22 October, with SMRT providing free bus services as an alternative for commuters.

By 5am on 23 October, regular LRT operations had resumed, and the free bus services were discontinued.

According to SMRT, a power rail issue was identified and successfully repaired. The faulty train was moved to the depot for further checks.

In an update issued after the repair works, SMRT clarified that the "rescue" train had no technical faults.

Instead, it was prevented from moving because the faulty train had a deflated tyre, which affected the towing process.

SMRT engineers discovered this during overnight recovery operations and were able to restore services.

The recent disruption comes shortly after another major incident in September, which saw train services on a section of the East-West Line suspended for six days.

That disruption, also caused by a faulty train, resulted in extensive damage to the tracks and other equipment.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) launched an investigation into the East-West Line incident in early October and stated that its findings would be made public.