On Friday, 7 February 2024, commuters faced significant delays on the North-South and East-West lines due to a derailed engineering vehicle that blocked trains at Bishan Depot. SMRT, the public transport operator, worked diligently to resolve the issue, ensuring safety remained their top priority.
Delay Details
As reported by SMRT, the incident began in the early hours, preventing trains from departing to serve the North-South Line. Commuters were warned to expect longer intervals of about 3.5 minutes between trains during peak hours, with crowded conditions likely as a result.
Recovery Operations
- Engineers used hydraulic equipment to gradually shift the off-track vehicle.
- The operations took longer than expected due to the restricted space around the tracks.
- By 6:36 pm, normal services resumed, with trains launching from Bishan Depot.
Impact on Commuters
Commuters experienced advisories to add up to 10 minutes of travel time, particularly on the segment between Ang Mo Kio and Jurong East stations towards Jurong East. During peak hours, delays were inconvenient, and alternative transport options were suggested.
Looking Ahead
SMRT has stated that an investigation will follow to determine the cause of the engineering vehicle’s failure. It’s appreciated that commuters’ patience was tested during this disruption, but thankfully, services have now returned to normal.