Significant Disruption on East-West Line as Train Fault Damages Tracks Near Clementi

SINGAPORE: Train services on the East-West Line (EWL) between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations were halted in both directions on Wednesday (Sep 25) after a train fault caused damage to the tracks. This disruption is expected to last through the day, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The incident occurred at around 9am when an eastbound train near Clementi station developed a fault. As the train was being withdrawn, a power trip was detected at 9.25am, stalling train operations between the two stations. LTA explained that the fault caused damage to the tracks, including the running rails and the third rail that supplies power to the trains.

Cause of the Fault

The train involved was one of SMRT's first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) trains, which has been in service for over 35 years. According to SMRT, a defective axle box on the train dropped, causing the wheels of the undercarriage to come off the track and strike equipment, including a live rail and point machines, leading to the power failure.

SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming and Group CEO Ngien Hoon Ping apologized to commuters for the disruption, acknowledging the "significant inconvenience" caused.

Shuttle Services and Alternative Transport

To alleviate the disruption, SMRT has activated shuttle train services between Buona Vista and Queenstown, and between Jurong East and Boon Lay, at 10-minute intervals starting from 5pm. However, there will be no shuttle train service between Jurong East and Buona Vista.

Bridging bus services and regular buses will continue to operate between the affected stations. LTA has urged commuters to seek alternative transport options, suggesting routes through other MRT lines like the North-South Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line, and Downtown Line.

Repair and Safety Measures

The LTA and SMRT are working to repair the damaged tracks and assess whether services can resume on Thursday, Sep 26. Due to the wet weather conditions, extra precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of engineers working near Clementi station.

SMRT acknowledged the impact of the disruption and assured the public that they are working "relentlessly" to restore full service as soon as possible.

Upcoming PSLE Exams

With Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) written exams starting on Thursday, the LTA has informed the Singapore Examination and Assessment Board (SEAB) to make necessary arrangements for affected students. Further updates on the situation will be provided through SMRT and LTA's social media platforms and the MyTransport app.

This disruption brings back memories of the longest MRT shutdown in Singapore’s history, when a flooded tunnel between Braddell and Bishan stations caused the North-South Line to be out of service for over 20 hours in October 2017.

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