**SINGAPORE:** The East-West Line is on track for recovery following a significant service disruption that affected Singapore's second-oldest MRT line. Rail operator SMRT announced on Saturday, September 28, that extensive recovery works are making headway.

In an update via Facebook, SMRT confirmed that "as of Saturday, we have successfully recovered and completed functionality tests on three track point machines and associated trackside equipment." All necessary repairs to the power rails have been finished, marking a critical step toward restoring full service. Tomorrow, comprehensive functional and safety tests will be conducted, including thorough checks on the tracks, power supply, and train signalling systems. Trains will be operated at varying speeds to ensure optimal performance across the line.

With over 300 engineers and technicians mobilized for this operation, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized the scale of the repair efforts. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported significant progress, aiming to restore full service by Monday.

The disruption began on Wednesday when a faulty train returning to the Ulu Pandan depot caused extensive damage to the tracks and equipment between Clementi and Dover stations. Investigations revealed an alarming 34 rail breaks along a 1.6 km stretch. Additionally, three track diversion machines, critical power supply infrastructure, and multiple rail clips were damaged.

Initially, plans were in motion for a partial service reinstatement between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations. However, this was quickly retracted by LTA and SMRT, who noted that such a move could interfere with ongoing repairs and delay the full restoration needed by several days.

The incident was unprecedented within the SMRT network, attributed to a defective axle box that fell onto the tracks, resulting in a bogie detachment. This unique failure led to a series of consequential damages, severely impacting the third rail—critical for power supply—and other connected track systems. The disturbance transitioned into a power trip around 9:25 AM on Wednesday, bringing train services between Boon Lay and Queenstown to a halt.

The train responsible for the disruption—constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries—has been operational for 35 years. Thankfully, all Kawasaki trains in operation on Thursday had successfully passed safety checks regarding the axle box functionality.

Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work around the clock to ensure the East-West Line is fully operational and reliable for commuters again!