New fleet of NSEWL MRT trains arrives in Singapore, set to replace 1987 fleet

A new line of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains is being shipped to Singapore, with two having already arrived on our shores.

These are the first of a fleet of 106 trains that will run on the North-South line (NSL) and East-West line (EWL), replacing the fleet from 1987. 

This fleet was conceptualised and designed in Germany, before being assembled in China with parts from countries like the United Kingdom and France, said the Land Transport Authority in a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 21). 

The new trains have red and green stripes, representing the NSL and EWL, and spots the LTA livery. 

It will also have condition monitoring features installed, so train operators will be notified of potential issues before it becomes noticeable and can fix it preemptively. Inside the carriages, there will be refreshed LCD screens that are more commuter friendly. 

The trains will be rigorously tested when they arrive in Singapore, and are set to start operating at the end of 2022.

The trains are part of a plan to renew the NSL, EWL and Bukit Panjang LRT, which was announced during the Committee of Supply Debate in March 2020. Ageing train stations’ amenities will be refurbished, including toilets and escalators.

The plan — which was allotted a $60 billion budget from 2020 to 2030 — also includes the operation of the Thomson-East Coast Line, expansion of the Downtown Line and Circle Line, and the building and opening of the Jurong Region Line. 

By 2030, Singapore’s rail network is expected to grow from the current 230km to 360km.