Stalled train on North-South Line removed, MRT services being progressively restored
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SINGAPORE – Train commuters travelling between Marina South Pier and Bishan MRT stations had their journeys delayed due to a stalled train on the North-South Line during the peak hour on Jan 10.
The disruption was caused by a northbound train that stalled near Orchard station at 5.40pm, train operator SMRT said.
According to an ST reader, an announcement was made at Newton station at about the same time to inform commuters to add 10 minutes to their travelling time.
In photos shared with The Straits Times, snaking queues can be seen in Newton and Orchard stations.
Operator SMRT first alerted the public about the delay in a Facebook post at 5.59pm, advising commuters to add 20 minutes to their travelling time. At 6.04pm, it revised the delay to 25 minutes.
About five minutes later, SMRT said those who are travelling towards Woodlands can transfer at Orchard and Marina Bay stations to the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
The operator updated at 6.15pm that the train fault had cleared and train services were progressively being restored.
It added that free regular bus services between Marina South Pier and Toa Payoh would continue.
“Passengers are advised to use alternative routes to continue their journey,” said SMRT, adding that its station staff would help.
A video taken at 6.16pm by an ST reader shows a relatively empty Orchard station.
About four minutes later, SMRT explained that the disruption was caused by a stalled train.
“The faulty train was coupled with another train and withdrawn to the depot for checks after disembarking all commuters safely at Orchard station,” said the operator, adding that in-train and station announcements were made to keep commuters informed.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to your evening commute.”
This is the second train disruption in January.
Between Dec 27, 2024, and Jan 2, 2025, train services on the TEL were delayed due to train faults.
On Dec 23, the Circle Line experienced a signalling fault, which was resolved after more than an hour.
The last time a train fault happened on the North-South Line was in August 2024.
