Bukit Panjang LRT Line Resumes Service After Power Fault Disruption

SINGAPORE – Train services on the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) line resumed on July 19, 2025, following a significant disruption caused by a power fault that affected the entire 13-station line. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 PM, with transport operator SMRT reporting that four trains halted between stations due to the fault. Passengers were safely guided from the halted trains to the nearest stations by SMRT staff, as announcements were made throughout the trains and stations to keep commuters informed about the situation.

According to Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, engineers were promptly deployed to investigate and resolve the power issue. “We are sorry for affecting your afternoon commute,” Lam stated in a Facebook update around the time of the incident. By 4:22 PM, nearly two hours after the power failure, normal train operations had resumed, and SMRT announced the cessation of free bridging bus services that had been provided to assist affected commuters.

The disruption caused considerable inconvenience to passengers, including individuals like Fay Goh, who was traveling from Fajar to Teck Whye station. Goh recounted that her train stopped for about 10 minutes, during which time the heat inside the train became unbearable. “It was so hot inside and the other commuters looked blur as to what to do,” she shared, highlighting the distress experienced during the wait. Additionally, another commuter, Libin Sim, reported a similar experience, noting that the atmosphere remained calm despite the unforeseen delay.

This incident marks the second disruption on the BPLRT line within a month, following a previous power fault on July 3 that also halted services across all stations for approximately three hours. In light of these repeated disturbances, concerns regarding the reliability of the power distribution system have been raised, with industry experts suggesting that ongoing renewal projects may be contributing factors.

The Bukit Panjang LRT line, which serves as a critical link in Singapore’s public transport network, has drawn scrutiny over its operational reliability. Dr. Sarah Tan, a transportation expert at the National University of Singapore, emphasized the importance of maintaining robust infrastructure to ensure commuter safety and satisfaction. “Repeated disruptions not only frustrate passengers but can also lead to broader implications for public trust in the transport system,” Dr. Tan noted in her commentary on the recent incidents.

While the SMRT has taken steps to address these issues, including deploying engineers to assess and rectify faults, the company faces ongoing challenges in maintaining service reliability amidst an aging infrastructure. The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently overseeing renewal projects aimed at upgrading the power distribution systems across the LRT network.

As the city-state continues to expand its public transport capabilities, it is imperative for the authorities to ensure that the reliability of services is not compromised. Commuters are advised to stay updated on service announcements and consider alternative transport options during peak disruptions. The recent incidents underscore the need for ongoing investment and maintenance to enhance the resilience of Singapore’s public transport infrastructure as the country moves towards a more sustainable future.