SMRT links July Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions to faults in newly installed Power Scada system
Transport operator SMRT confirmed in a statement on 20 July 2025 that its initial investigations found the power fault 'shares a similar failure mode' with an earlier three-hour disruption on 3 July 2025.
All 13 stations on the BPLRT were affected during both service interruptions.
According to Lam Sheau Kai, president of Singapore's SMRT Trains, the repeated faults were linked to the Power Scada system installed under the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Power Renewal Project.
This system, still under its Defects Liability Period, is designed to monitor and control power distribution across the LRT line to improve safety and reliability.
On 19 July, the power fault occurred at around 2.45pm, causing four trains to stall between stations.
Traction power was restored at approximately 4.00pm, with services gradually resuming from 4.15pm onwards.
To reinstate traction power safely, the Emergency Trip System (ETS) was temporarily bypassed.
However, the fault in the Power Scada system had affected the ETS, which triggered a network-wide traction power trip.
The LTA project team is now carrying out a detailed investigation, including a full design review by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) contractor.
Lam said this aims to strengthen network stability and prevent similar faults from occurring.
A key priority is ensuring a stable traction power supply as the system continues commissioning.
The BPLRT Power Renewal Project is scheduled for completion by end-2026.
SMRT stated it will continue to monitor the system closely as renewal works progress.
Lam also thanked commuters for their patience and understanding during both incidents.
He emphasised that SMRT remains committed to keeping BPLRT services safe and reliable while the renewal project advances.
Past faults and upgrades
On 1 July, a signalling fault at Orchard station on the Thomson-East Coast Line caused service delays between Napier and Great World stations for two hours.
The Bukit Panjang LRT, which spans 8km, has a history of operational issues.
The most recent major disruption occurred on 22 October 2024, when service stalled during the evening peak between Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang.
Trains did not resume until the next morning.
Initial investigations at the time pointed to a fault in one of the train's wheel assemblies.
In response, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT announced reduced operating hours from Thursdays to Sundays, starting 14 November 2024 through to 31 October 2025, to accommodate renewal works.
These efforts include upgrading the BPLRT's signalling system and testing both new and retrofitted light-rail vehicles.
Since 2022, LTA has been progressively implementing a new communications-based train control system to enhance train speed regulation.
The full system renewal is now slated for completion by end-2026, delayed by two years due to manpower shortages and supply chain issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2024, the LRT network, which includes the Sengkang-Punggol lines, recorded an average daily ridership of 210,000, reflecting a 4 per cent year-on-year increase.
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