SINGAPORE - The train disruption affecting the East-West Line (EWL) between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations is set to extend into a third day, following significant damage caused by a faulty train on September 25. As rail operator SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) work diligently, they hope to partially restore services by September 27.

On the day of the incident, approximately 358,000 commuters were impacted, with another estimated 516,000 facing disruptions on September 26. The chaos was instigated by a first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries train that malfunctioned around 9 AM, necessitating its withdrawal to Ulu Pandan Depot. During this process, a defective axle box from the train's third carriage fell onto the tracks near Dover station, leading to one bogie derailing—a rare and concerning occurrence.

This derailment resulted in substantial damage to the tracks and vital equipment. Engineers discovered 34 rail breaks along 1.6 kilometers of track between Clementi and Dover stations after an exhaustive overnight inspection. The deteriorated sections included crucial components, such as point machines that allow trains to switch tracks and the third rail that supplies power, necessitating immediate repairs.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, currently in China on official duties, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in a video message. He informed the public that extensive damage has required ongoing assessments and repairs, ensuring commuter safety is the top priority before services can return to normal. "I sincerely apologize to all our commuters for this disruption," Mr. Chee stated. "Our teams are working diligently to restore service as quickly and safely as possible."

In the interim, a shuttle train service will operate every 20 minutes along the less damaged eastbound track, while additional shuttle services will run between Buona Vista and Queenstown, as well as Jurong East and Boon Lay stations. SMRT has also deployed around 80 double-decker buses to provide free bridging services for affected commuters.

To assist in managing the situation, over 620 personnel including ground staff from LTA and SMRT, as well as officers from law enforcement, have been mobilized to control crowds and provide guidance during the busy morning commute.

As a precautionary measure, LTA and SMRT have conducted functionality checks on all axle boxes of the Kawasaki trains, which successfully passed inspections prior to being placed back into service.

With the unique nature of this incident and the extensive repairs required, Singapore’s commuters are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential delays. It's a critical moment for public transport in Singapore, and the importance of safety and efficiency remains paramount as the situation unfolds.