Introduction

SINGAPORE – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced significant progress in the crucial repair of rail tracks damaged between Clementi and Dover stations. On September 28, the LTA shared via social media that it aims to fully restore train services by September 30.

Background of the Incident

The track damage occurred due to a faulty train on the East-West Line (EWL), which not only damaged tracks but also affected trackside equipment during its journey back to the Ulu Pandan depot on September 25. This incident caused widespread disruptions, impacting services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations.

Efforts and Progress

“Teams have been tirelessly working around the clock to make substantial progress,” stated the LTA. Their efforts included delivering heavy rail components to replace the cracked sections—34 rail breaks were identified along a 1.6km stretch of the westbound track. To ensure safety and efficiency, engineers utilized mechanical jigs to move new rail sections, each weighing over a tonne, to the repair site. This method was necessary since traditional engineering vehicles could not navigate the broken tracks.

Additional Repairs Required

The repairs extended beyond the rails, with significant work needed on the third rail, which supplies power to trains, as exposed power cables were discovered along the affected eastbound track. The original damage was initiated when the train had to stop on this line due to a faulty axle box.

Impact on Passengers

Over the course of the service disruption, approximately 358,000 passengers were affected on September 25, with those numbers increasing to an estimated 516,000 on September 26 and around 500,000 on September 27. To mitigate the impact on commuters, shuttle trains are currently operating at 10-minute intervals between Boon Lay and Jurong East stations, and between Queenstown and Buona Vista stations. Additionally, passengers have been advised to utilize free bridging bus services and regular bus services to navigate the affected areas.

Conclusion

With just days to go before the anticipated restoration of full train services, the LTA remains hopeful for continued favorable weather conditions to facilitate ongoing repair efforts. As Singapore’s transport network continues to evolve, the effective response to this incident highlights the resilience and commitment of the authorities to ensure commuter safety and convenience.

Stay Updated

Stay tuned for further updates on the repairs and other transport news that could affect your travels!