Bukit Panjang LRT

Train Shenanigans on the Bukit Panjang LRT: A Tale of Stuck Trains and Swift Fixes!

The Bukit Panjang LRT is back on track after a train took an unexpected nap! Find out all about the drama that unfolded and how engineers saved the day!

The Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) services resumed on October 23, 2023, after a night of urgent repairs. This restoration followed an unexpected hiccup due to a faulty train that decided to take a little unscheduled break right in the middle of the tracks, near Teck Whye station. Picture this: commuters trying to go about their day when suddenly, their train just stops. No, it wasn’t because of any dramatic tension, but rather a serious train fault that gave everyone quite the scare! SMRT took to social media, reassuring everyone in their funny yet earnest way, proving that laughter – and a bit of patience – can go a long way during such situations.

The disruption lasted nearly five hours, as dedicated SMRT engineers worked overnight to rectify the problem with the immobilised train. They rolled up their sleeves and got down to business, successfully repairing the short segment of the power rail that had caused the trouble. As much as the situation might have felt like a scene from a train-induced thriller, the swift actions taken by the maintenance crew ensured that BPLRT services would only experience a hiccup, rather than a full-blown catastrophe. With shuttle trains running between affected stations, commuters were thankfully never stranded for too long.

It’s amazing how quickly things can be sorted when the experts are on the job! But wait, there's more! After the trains got rolling again, SMRT announced that the free regular bus services that were initially offered during the disruption have now been discontinued. Not quite the happy ending bus lovers may have hoped for, but hey, at least the trains are back and on schedule!

Here’s a fun fact to ride the wave of optimism: Did you know that the Bukit Panjang LRT line is the third and newest of its kind in Singapore? Stationed in the west region, it services key areas like Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang. And if you’re a fan of quirky train tales, here’s another – in Japan, it’s not uncommon for trains to run late due to unexpected animal encounters. So next time you’re on the BPLRT, just be thankful your train didn’t get into an ‘exotic’ delay!