The North-South Line is the first mass rapid transport (MRT) line in Singapore while the East-West Line is the longest MRT train line in operation in the country. Together they are called the NSEWL lines. They are the most heavily utilised rail lines in the MRT system and have been serving commuters for over three decades as of 2020. The Land Transport Authority and public transport operator – SMRT Corporation – have been working together to renew the infrastructure and trains used in these rail networks.
Upgrading the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL)
The renewal of the North-South and East-West MRT lines is expected to cost more than S$2.5 billion, which may take the next few years to complete. In the first phase of the renewal project, sleepers on the two lines were replaced in 2016, the third rail in 2017, and the signalling system in 2018.
Presently, 198 trains of six different types, supplied by two different companies, serve the NSEWL lines. 40 trains that are serving these lines for the last two decades will be replaced with new trains from Canadian rail manufacturer Bombardier. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) purchased the new trains for S$337.8 million. The 40 new MOVIA trains by Bombardier, to be delivered in batches from 2024, will replace Siemens’ second-generation trainsets and Kawasaki-Nippon Sharyo’s third-generation trainsets. LTA has previously purchased 66 new trains from Bombardier to replace old trains in the NSEWL lines, to be delivered from 2021. In total, the new 106 six-car MOVIA trains will serve a 102km long rail line of the NSEWL network and 59 stations in Singapore.
Features of the New Movia Trains
- Improvement in rail reliability: The new trains are equipped with predictive and condition-based monitoring features, which will improve fleet operation efficiency and optimize track maintenance. Condition monitoring enables timely fault detection, thereby, reducing chances of service disruption.
- Better accessibility: Bombardier has designed the interiors of the trains with more open spaces to make boarding easier for passengers using strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility devices.
- Energy Efficient: MOVIA metro trains feature MITRAC propulsion system that reduces maintenance costs and increases energy efficiency. With reduced costs for maintenance and operations, rail operators may reduce metro travel costs for commuters in the future. Energy efficiency will improve the environmental health of Singapore.
Commenting on the new designs for MOVIA trains, Jayaram Naidu, President of Southeast Asia, Bombardier Transportation, said: “For the last seven years, the performance of our proven MOVIA metros has been moving millions of passengers on the Downtown Line making their daily commute greener, quieter and safer than ever before.”
Besides providing MOVIA trains, Bombardier has signed a 10-year service contract with SMRT Trains to cover maintenance and support for all 106 new trains. SMRT wants to work with Bombardier to deliver safe and reliable train services to passengers. SMRT CEO, Mr. Neo Kian Hong is so committed to making MRT the best public transportation system that he sold his car and commutes to and from his office using the MRT system.
Apart from the long-term service contract with Bombardier, SMRT has also completed the renewal work for the signalling systems on the NSEWL Lines.
Conclusion
LTA, the transport ministry, and SMRT Corporation have been working hard to provide reliable, safe, and affordable rail services to commuters. After the delivery of the first set of MOVIA metro trains for the NSEWL system in 2021 and the second set of trains in 2024, commuters can expect lesser commute times, comfortable rides, and reliable services.
Singapore Train 