LTA: No restoration of train service for today

Those heading to the western parts of Singapore today will still have to make alternative arrangements.

The LTA has announced that there will be no train services from Jurong East to Buona Vista stations through 30 September 2024 - after previously announcing on 25 September 2024 that there would be a shuttle train service between Buona Vista to Queenstown stations come 26 September and then failing even to deliver this partial service.

The LTA states that it has commenced stress and loading tests along the damaged sections of track to ensure the replaced sections are safe for commuter service

This time, the LTA states that service is set to be restored come 1 October 2024 - although this is still only subject to prevailing weather conditions, and once thorough testing have been successfully completed to ensure the safety of commuters.

The fresh delay comes after 12 new cracks, which were previously not visible, appeared on unreplaced rail segments along the section of westbound tracks from Clementi to Ulu Pandan Depot. The cracks are attributed to the weakening of the rail segments by the damaged train when it was travelling back to the depot on the morning of 25 September 2024.

The authority states that it will utilise this day to replace 10 rail segments before it conducts more stress testing ahead of the resumption of full rail passenger service. The previous 33 segments of rail that have been identified as damaged have been repaired and restored and the necessary functionality tests on track point machines and trackside equipment have commenced.

Commuters will be able to continue to utilise the free regular bus services available between Boon Lay and Queenstown stations and free bridging bus services between Jurong East and Buona Vista. SMRT will also continue to operate shuttle train services between Buona Vista and Queenstown stations; and between Jurong East and Boon Lay stations in both directions.