NEL Train Disruption Between Woodleigh and Punggol

19 June 2013 – NEL service between NE11 Woodleigh and NE17 Punggol stations was temporarily disrupted this evening due to a train fault. Service between the two stations, which was disrupted for slightly over two hours, resumed at 8.32pm.

The incident began at about 6.15pm when a train heading towards Harbourfront stalled as it was approaching Hougang Station. Our engineers immediately deployed a second train in a push-out rescue operation which essentially involves using one train to push another train to the nearest station so that passengers can alight. As this was being attempted, there was a service delay as trains could not move out of their respective stations.

Despite repeated attempts, the stalled train could not be moved. This is the first time such a rescue operation has failed.

Given the failure of the push-out operation, a decision was taken to detrain the affected train. Train services also had to be disrupted between Woodleigh and Punggol Stations for detrainment to take place.

NEL personnel and caregivers were on hand to provide assistance to detrained passengers. In all, about 250 passengers were affected.

At about 8.30pm, train service resumed between Woodleigh and Punggol Stations as the stalled train was taken off the track. Train services between Harbourfront and Woodleigh Stations were unaffected during the partial disruption.

In all, 85 shuttle buses were activated for operation between Woodleigh and Punggol Stations although many were delayed en route to the affected stations due to massive traffic jams along the way. In addition to free shuttle buses, commuters were also able to board passing bus services for free at the affected stations. Close to 90 Goodwill Ambassadors were also activated for duty at the seven affected stations to assist commuters.

We deeply apologise to all affected passengers for the distress and inconvenience caused especially given the current haze situation.