SINGAPORE, September 2025 – Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai emphasized the need for the Government to regain the trust of Singaporeans frustrated by recent rail disruptions. Speaking during the debate on the President’s Address, Mr Murali acknowledged that lapses in transport services are a “justified cause for frustration and disappointment,” particularly given Singapore’s long-standing reputation for reliable and predictable public transport.

Between July and September, the MRT network experienced at least 15 service disruptions, prompting concerns about the overall dependability of the rail system. Mr Murali stated that while the Government is committed to investing in measures to reduce disruptions, they cannot be entirely eliminated. “I don’t take pleasure in saying this, but this is the hard truth,” he told Parliament on September 26.

When disruptions occur, the Government will ensure services are restored as quickly as possible. Commuters will also be guided to alternative routes to minimise inconvenience. Mr Murali highlighted that new rail lines under construction will improve the resilience of the network by providing additional route options. Upcoming projects include stage six of the Circle Line, adding three stations between HarbourFront and Marina Bay set to open in 2026; the Jurong Region Line (JRL), opening in phases from 2027 to 2029; and the Cross Island Line, scheduled from 2030 onwards. Long-term plans also include the JRL West Coast Extension and the Seletar and Tengah lines.

To further enhance reliability, the Government will invest $1 billion over the next five years to improve monitoring and maintenance of rail assets, alongside boosting the capabilities of staff performing such work. A rail reliability task force has been established to tackle immediate issues, comprising senior leaders from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), public transport operators SMRT and SBS Transit, and industry experts. Mr Murali welcomed input from MPs on ways to strengthen Singapore’s transport infrastructure, urging cooperation rather than criticism. “Never exploit problems. But by all means, let us work on the problems even as we tackle the challenges of today,” he said.

On technology, Mr Murali noted that innovations can enhance efficiency and productivity in transport systems, but also warned of “unprecedented security challenges” posed by cyberattacks. He cited three major incidents: a cyberattack on Nagoya Port in Japan in July 2023, which disrupted container handling; a three-month cyberattack on Transport for London in September 2024; and a September 19, 2025 attack on major European airports’ check-in and boarding systems, causing flight delays and cancellations.

To protect Singapore’s critical transport infrastructure, the LTA, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have set up cybersecurity operations centres to detect and respond to threats. Mr Murali also highlighted that the adoption of new technologies creates job opportunities, and the Government is working with industry, unions, and educational partners to train workers and enable them to fill these roles. SOURCE : The Strait Times