Bukit Panjang LRT to close on 2 Sundays, Aug. 31 & Sep. 21, for new signalling system testing

The Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) will be closed on two Sundays — Aug. 31 and Sep. 21 — to test the new signalling system as the line is undergoing a renewal programme.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and operator SMRT said in a joint release that the new system that has been in the works since 2022 will enable "better control of train speeds" so that commuters can "enjoy smoother and more reliable rides".

SMRT is the Bukit Panjang LRT operator.

Posters and banners at all Bukit Panjang LRT stations will have information on the lift upgrading schedule, travel alternatives and latest updates.

Shuttle bus provided

A shuttle bus service, LRT Shuttle B, will be provided during the closures and will run every 5 to 15 minutes.

New system details

The new "communications-based train control" system is an upgrade from the current one and is also similar to those used on Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, the authorities added.

The Bukit Panjang LRT closure is to "provide a longer period for continuous testing of the new signalling system "simulating actual operating conditions", it was added.

This is to ensure the new signalling system is properly integrated with the new upgraded Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) deployed for passenger service as part of the line's renewal programme.

So far, 14 of 19 new third-generation LRVs have been deployed for use.

At the same time, 11 of the 13 second-generation LRVs have also been upgraded and deployed, the authorities said.

New signalling works should be completed by by end-2025, which will be when the remaining new third-generation LRVs and upgraded second-generation LRVs are rolled out.

Other upgrading works

Upgrades to the operations control centre where staff work, as well as power rail replacement activities, are also ongoing and are slated to be done by end-2026.

So far, the entire power supply system for the Bukit Panjang LRT has been fully upgraded with higher capacity, including dedicated power supply monitoring and control systems, said the authorities.

Lifts to be upgraded

The lifts at Bukit Panjang LRT stations have been in operation since the beginning of the Bukit Panjang LRT service.

They will all be replaced and upgraded to be more wheelchair user-friendly from Aug. 11 and set to completed by March 2027.

About Bukit Panjang LRT

The Bukit Panjang LRT system is an 8km line thank links Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang to the North-South and Downtown Lines.

It experienced two service disruptions in July 2025.

SMRT said it was due to a fault in a newly-installed system that monitors and controls power distribution.

Top photo via Google Maps