Bukit Panjang LRT Suspended for 3 Hours Due to Power Outage

 

On the morning of 3 July 2025, the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) system experienced a complete suspension of train services following a power fault that occurred at approximately 8:50 AM. This fault affected traction power across the entire BPLRT line, rendering all stations non-operational. The disruption took place during peak travel hours, significantly impacting the daily commute for residents in the Bukit Panjang area.

At 9:13 AM, the first public announcement was made, confirming that train services were unavailable across the entire system. From then until 11:00 AM, consistent updates reiterated that all stations remained affected. Passengers were directed to use free regular and bridging bus services, which were activated to support travel in the affected area. SMRT staff were deployed to assist commuters and in-train and station announcements were made to keep the public informed.

Multiple public updates were posted, repeating the unavailability of train service at all stations due to the unresolved power fault. Links to alternative travel arrangements were provided by the operator to reduce disruption.

At 11:25 AM, SMRT issued an encouraging update stating that traction power had been restored and that train service was progressively returning to normal. At this point, free bus services remained in operation to assist commuters while train operations stabilised.

By 11:40 AM, SMRT confirmed that the fault had been cleared and that train services had resumed fully across the BPLRT system. With the restoration of normal operations, all free bus services were ceased. A final formal update at 11:51 AM reiterated that regular train operations had resumed and thanked commuters for their patience.

This power fault resulted in nearly three hours of complete disruption to the BPLRT network. No injuries were reported, and while SMRT has not yet released a detailed explanation for the cause of the power failure, the issue was rectified within the same morning.

This incident is part of a broader series of disruptions that have occurred on the BPLRT in recent years. The system, which has been operating since 1999, is currently undergoing long-term upgrading works under the Land Transport Authority’s renewal programme. These upgrades aim to improve reliability and are expected to be completed in stages over the next few years.

Commuters were advised to remain updated through official SMRT communication channels and to refer to station staff during future incidents.