Train service on the North East Line is temporarily halted due to a power issue, impacting 11 stations.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, commuters in Singapore's northeast faced disruptions on two major transport lines: the North East Line (NEL) and the Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The disruptions were caused by a power fault that originated from a depot substation[1][2][5].
The power fault affected switchboards supplying power to the system, leading to a halt of trains between Farrer Park and Punggol Coast stations on the NEL and the full shutdown of the Sengkang-Punggol LRT[1][4][5]. The disruption started around 11 a.m., causing significant inconvenience for passengers[3].
SBS Transit, the transport operator that reported the disruptions, provided free regular and bridging bus services at affected stations to support stranded commuters[2]. Passengers at Boon Keng Station were informed at approximately 11.20am that no trains were running[3].
After the incident, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit conducted investigations. It was revealed that a fault in one switchboard damaged it and triggered a safety feature that shut down the backup switchboard, cutting off power supply from Sengkang Depot. Service was restored by manually connecting a backup power source from Dhoby Ghaut station[5].
LTA and SBS Transit are reviewing measures to enhance the power system's resilience to prevent similar disruptions in the future[5]. In the meantime, free bus services are available between Punggol Coast station and Dhoby Ghaut stations, as well as bus bridging services between the affected stations[2].
As of the time of the report, the disruptions on the North East Line and the Sengkang-Punggol LRT are ongoing[6]. Commuters are advised to check the latest updates on the official LTA or SBS Transit websites or social media platforms before travelling[2].
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/mrt-disruption-between-farrer-park-and-punggol-coast-on-north-east-line [2] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/free-bus-services-available-for- commuters-affected-by-north-east-mrt-disruption [3] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/mrt-disruption-between-farrer-park-and-punggol-coast-on-north-east-line [4] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mrt-disruption-north-east-line-service-disrupted-14776598 [5] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mrt-disruption-north-east-line-service-disrupted-14776598 [6] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mrt-disruption-north-east-line-service-disrupted-14776598
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