Disruption on North East Line Between Two Stations - Punggol (NE17) and Sengkang (NE16)

21 August 2014 – North East Line service between Punggol (NE17) and Sengkang (NE16) stations was disrupted earlier today due to a power fault.

The disruption started just slightly after 6.00am this morning and full service resumed at about 3.00pm.

The disruption was caused by the dislocation of two pairs of steady arms holding the contact wire of the Overhead Catenary System power supply line at the crossover between the North and South tunnels near Punggol. This is the first time that the steady arms have dislodged.

As a result, power supply between Punggol (NE17) and Sengkang (NE16) was cut. Service continued to run between Buangkok (NE15) and HarbourFront (NE1).

Trains were subsequently turned around at Sengkang station thereby enabling service to operate between Sengkang (NE16) and HarbourFront (NE1) stations.

More than 20 engineers were involved in the recovery works which included replacing the two pairs of steady arms. Checks with sweep trains were also conducted to ensure safe operations before full service resumed. Detailed investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the fault.

During the disruption, to enable commuters to continue on their journey between Punggol (NE17) and Sengkang (NE16) stations, close to 40 shuttle buses were in operation. Commuters were also able to board passing bus services for free at designated bus stops at the affected stations. More than 70 Goodwill Ambassadors and Traffic Inspectors were at the affected stations to assist commuters.

We deeply apologise to some 18,000 passengers who were affected by the disruption.