Early morning commuters in Singapore faced delays and disruptions as a result of a track fault on the Circle Line. The incident, which occurred on September 29 at approximately 2:20 am, was detected during a routine maintenance inspection by SMRT Rail Technicians.
The issue was identified at the crossing between Promenade Station to Esplanade/Bayfront Station, where a crack in the rail track was discovered. In response, SMRT initiated a comprehensive plan to address the problem and ensure the safety of passengers.
Normal train services disrupted
To rectify the issue, SMRT’s rail replacement team will carry out the replacement of the affected rail crossing. This process involves detailed surveys and the movement of heavy rails and equipment using engineering trains. Consequently, normal train services in the affected stretch were disrupted to facilitate the necessary repairs.
During this period, train services were running slower than usual, as only a single line operation was possible in both directions on the affected stretch. Specifically, the affected stations were Dhoby Ghaut to Promenade Stations and Marina Bay to Stadium Stations. To minimize inconvenience, commuters were advised to allocate an additional 30 minutes of travel time when using this stretch of the Circle Line.
Commuters were also encouraged to explore alternative transportation options. Specifically, the North-South Line, East-West Line, and Downtown Line were recommended as viable alternatives for travel.
Free bridging bus services
To further assist affected passengers, SMRT provided free regular bus services between Paya Lebar to Dhoby Ghaut/Marina Bay Stations. Additionally, bridging bus services were deployed between Paya Lebar and Promenade Stations to ensure smoother travel for commuters.
SMRT took steps to keep passengers informed throughout the disruption by making in-train and station announcements. Passengers were also advised to follow official channels for updates on the situation.
In a statement, SMRT apologized for the inconvenience caused to commuters during their Friday morning commute and assured the public that all efforts were being made to resolve the issue promptly and safely. Commuters were urged to stay informed and plan their journeys accordingly while the necessary repairs were carried out on the Circle Line track.
SMRT’s statement
[UPDATE on the track fault on the Circle Line, 29 Sep, at 6.06am]:
On 29 Sep at about 2.20am, a crack on our rail track on the Circle Line at the crossing between Promenade Station to Esplanade / Bayfront Station was detected by our Rail Technicians during their routine maintenance inspection.
Our rail replacement team will be carrying out the replacement of this rail crossing so as to restore the safe use of the tracks. As this involves detailed survey and the movement of heavy rails and equipment using engineering trains, normal train services will be affected at the affected stretch for our engineers to rectify the issue.
Train services will be running slower as only one single line operations can be operated for both ways on the affected stretch – Dhoby Ghaut to Promenade Stations; and Marina Bay to Stadium Stations. Commuters are advised to cater additional 30 minutes travelling time at this stretch.
Commuters are also advised to take the North-South Line, East-West Line and Downtown Line for your travel.
Free regular bus services will be made available between Paya Lebar to Dhoby Ghaut / Marina Bay Stations.
Bridging bus services will be made available between Paya Lebar and Promenade Stations.
In-train and station announcements will be made to keep commuters informed.
Please follow the official channels for updates. We are sorry to have affected your Friday morning commute.