SINGAPORE: Train services on the East-West Line will fully resume from the start of passenger hours on Tuesday (Oct 1), nearly a week after a faulty train caused a power trip and damage to the track and other equipment.
This comes after the successful replacement of rail segments that had developed new cracks, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operator SMRT said on Monday.
“LTA and SMRT engineers and technicians have successfully replaced the 10 rail segments that had developed new cracks, as of late last night. They then worked through the night to conduct comprehensive testing of the track and trackside equipment,” LTA and SMRT said in a joint media release.
“These tests comprise a system of functional and safety tests on the track, power supply and train signalling systems. The tracks were also subjected to a sequence of load tests, ultrasound checks, followed by endurance runs using passenger trains packed with sandbags.
“We conduct these safety checks thoroughly to ensure commuter safety, before we fully resume passenger service.”
LTA and SMRT added that, for safety reasons, there will be temporary speed restrictions (TSR) imposed on westbound trains travelling on the repaired sections of the track.
“This is part of the standard process following rail replacements, where trains will travel more slowly at 40kmh,” LTA and SMRT said.
“The TSR will be imposed for three days, until Thursday, Oct 3. We advise commuters who are travelling to the west on the East-West Line to plan for an additional five minutes of travel time.”
LTA and SMRT expressed their appreciation to their workers “who have been working day and night to complete the repairs and testing works to fully restore train services”.
They also thanked the bus operators’ ground staff, the police and volunteers for their work, and commuters for their patience.
The MRT service disruption began last Wednesday after a faulty train caused a power trip and damage to the track and other equipment.