Train services on the North East MRT line (NEL) resumed on 12 Aug 2025 following a three-hour suspension caused by a major power fault.
The disruption began at around 11.00am, affecting an 11-station stretch between Farrer Park and Punggol Coast.
SBS Transit activated free regular and bridging bus services between affected stations, as well as from Buangkok, Hougang, Punggol, Sengkang, Serangoon and Woodleigh Bus Interchanges.
Crowd management teams were deployed to guide commuters at stations.
By 12.50pm, service had been restored between HarbourFront and Buangkok, narrowing the disruption to four stations between Buangkok and Punggol Coast.
At 2.10pm, the NEL returned to full service. Free bus services were withdrawn by 2.54pm.
The power fault also disrupted the Sengkang-Punggol LRT line, which remains suspended.
SBS Transit stated that engineers are working to restore LRT services, with completion expected within two hours of the announcement at 3.00pm.
Free bus services continue to operate at the LRT stations.
Passenger experiences during disruption
Social media footage showed large crowds at affected stations, including Sengkang, where reports of a power outage emerged.
One commuter, photographer Willy Foo, recounted that his train left Punggol station at 11.00am before a “bump” was heard and some lights went out. Backup power appeared to engage, and staff moved passengers towards the front carriage.
About 20 minutes later, the front doors were opened and passengers walked 100–200 metres along the tunnel to Punggol Coast station.
Foo described the walk as “more amusing than stressful”, with passengers taking photos and guiding elderly commuters over uneven ground.
Operator’s statement
Jeffrey Sim, CEO of SBS Transit, said in a statement at 3.00pm that the incident had affected 11 stations and was resolved within three hours.
He reiterated that SBS Transit deployed passenger service teams and maintained free bus services during the outage, while apologising for the inconvenience caused.
The company is investigating the cause of the power fault.
Series of recent rail incidents
This disruption follows several others in recent weeks.
On 6 Aug 2025, the East-West Line suffered a five-hour suspension.
On 1 Jul 2025, the Thomson-East Coast Line was halted for over an hour due to a signalling fault.
In addition, two power faults led to suspensions of the Bukit Panjang LRT service in July.
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow had described the spate of incidents as “disappointing” during remarks made a week before the latest NEL disruption.
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