Singapore's first-generation SMRT train stalls near Tiong Bahru station, causing delays on East-West line

Commuters at Bugis station after an announcement was made for passengers to disembark. - ST

SINGAPORE: Train commuters on a section of the East-West Line were delayed on Thursday (Oct 10), after an old train broke down near the Tiong Bahru station.

A first-generation westbound Kawasaki Heavy Industries train had stalled at about 12.30pm, and all the passengers safely disembarked at the Outram Park station, SMRT said in a Facebook post on Oct 10.

The operator said at 1.14pm that the fault was cleared, and train services were being restored.

SMRT had said earlier on Facebook that commuters had to add 25 minutes to their travel time from Outram Park to Queenstown stations.

They were also to add 20 minutes when travelling from Queenstown to Bugis stations.

Free regular bus services were provided between the Outram Park and Queenstown stations.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to your commute,” said SMRT.

Project manager Norman Goh, 46, who boarded the train at the Outram Park station, said the train stopped abruptly when it was travelling towards the Tiong Bahru station.

“Strangely, the train was tilted when it stopped moving,” said Goh, who was with his father who is wheelchair-bound.

He added that the train then travelled back to the Outram Park station. - The Straits Times/ANN