North-South Line train fault causes 25-minute delay between Woodlands and Yishun
A train fault on the North-South Line caused a 25-minute delay between Woodlands and Yishun stations on 2 September evening, marking the latest in a string of rail disruptions across Singapore’s network.
- A signalling fault at 8.05pm led to a 25-minute delay between Woodlands and Yishun.
- SMRT activated free bus services and resumed normal operations by 8.58pm.
- The incident follows a series of recent train faults across multiple MRT and LRT lines.
SINGAPORE — A train fault on the North-South Line caused a 25-minute delay between Woodlands and Yishun stations on 2 September evening, affecting commuters travelling towards Marina South Pier.
According to SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai, the incident occurred at 8.05pm when a train-borne signalling fault was detected. The affected train was withdrawn from service while staff worked to rectify the issue.
SMRT activated free bus services between the two stations, deployed ground staff to assist commuters, and advised passengers at Woodlands station to use the Thomson-East Coast Line as an alternative route.
The operator first alerted the public to the disruption via Facebook at 8.22pm, stating that delays of up to 25 minutes were expected. By 8.48pm, services began resuming gradually, with full operations restored at 8.58pm.
Lam apologised for the inconvenience caused, thanking commuters for their patience and understanding.
Series of recent rail incidents
This latest disruption adds to a growing list of rail faults in recent weeks.
On 1 September morning, a train fault disrupted services on three stations of the Circle Line — the first such incident since 20 May 2025.
In August alone, several major breakdowns were reported. A signalling fault halted the Downtown Line on 28 August, while a five-hour breakdown paralysed the East-West Line on 6 August. On 12 August, a power fault affected 11 stations along the North East Line for three hours.
The Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit system also faced a four-hour halt on 15 August due to power issues. In July, two separate disruptions struck the Bukit Panjang LRT, and a one-hour suspension occurred on the Thomson-East Coast Line due to signalling problems.
Public concern and official response
The spate of incidents has prompted frustration among commuters and concern from officials.
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow described the string of breakdowns as “disappointing” in a Facebook post on 6 August, pledging that the “One Transport family” would continue working to improve reliability across the network.
Online, commuters have called for greater accountability from rail operators, more transparent investigations into technical failures, and stronger measures to prevent repeated disruptions.
