The Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) will see a full-day closure on 25 January 2024, as part of its ongoing upgrade and renewal programme. This decision, announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), is crucial for transitioning operations to a refurbished control centre.
Closure Details
According to the Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow, the closure is necessary to enhance the line’s reliability and facilitate important system renewals that have been in the works since 2018.
- Date of Closure: 25 January 2024
- Shuttle Service: LRT Shuttle B will operate between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang every five to 15 minutes.
Renewal Programme Progress
About 88 per cent of the renewal works have been completed, with a projected finish date set for the last quarter of 2026. The original timeline had aimed for completion in 2024, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress.
Major components undergoing improvement include:
- Replacement of the power rail system, which has been in use since 1999.
- Upgrade of the train signalling system.
- Refreshing the vehicle fleet to ensure safety and reliability.
Context of the Works
Minister Siow emphasised the challenges faced during these upgrades, noting that renewing an existing system is significantly more complex than building a new one. He illustrated this by explaining that a single full-day closure allows for more efficient work than multiple night-time sessions.
The BPLRT represents a vital piece of Singapore’s public transport system, being the nation’s first LRT line. With ongoing efforts, Minister Siow expressed gratitude for commuters’ patience during this final stage of the renewal plan.