SINGAPORE

Significant progress has been made on the East-West Line as all damaged rail segments between Clementi and Ulu Pandan Depot have been successfully replaced. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that an endurance test on a portion of the line is currently in progress as part of recovery efforts to restore smooth rail service.

In an update released on September 30, LTA noted that dedicated workers have been laboring through the early hours to expedite repairs and ensure safety. The operations included the completion of essential tests, such as the locomotive stress test, electric meggering test, and track circuit evaluations. All necessary works, including the reinstatement of the third rail, have been executed to prepare for the operation of trains.

The electric meggering test assesses the electrical insulation of the third rail and running rail, allowing for a safe reactivation of the traction power supply. Meanwhile, the locomotive stress test guarantees that the rails, having been assessed for strength and integrity, are ready for the loaded train endurance test. This crucial phase sees sandbags used to mimic the weight of fully loaded passenger cars as a measure for safety before operations resume.

On social media, SMRT provided a glimpse of the ongoing loaded train endurance run, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes photo that showcased sandbags lining the floor of a passenger carriage, emphasizing the scale of the operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISRUPTION

The recent disruptions stemmed from issues experienced on a Wednesday morning when a faulty train was making its way back to Ulu Pandan depot, leading to extensive damage across a 1.6-km stretch of tracks. Engineers discovered 34 rail breaks, along with damage to vital power cables, the third rail, and three track point machines that guide trains between tracks.

Initially, there was optimism to restore partial service with a single-line shuttle; however, this was scrapped to focus on a comprehensive recovery plan. Authorities have worked tirelessly in the wake of these disruptions, with hopes set on restoring full service.

Despite strong efforts, LTA and SMRT revealed that the timeline for service resumption has been pushed back to Tuesday instead of the initially planned Monday date, due to new cracks found in some unreplaced rail segments.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized the importance of safety in ensuring the resumption of train services. "We will conduct rigorous checks and tests. The safety of commuters is our top priority, and the timeline is subject to thorough evaluations and favorable weather conditions," he stated.

As the recovery operation continues, the public eagerly anticipates the full resumption of train services on the East-West Line. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work around the clock to ensure a safe and efficient return to normalcy!