Expanding the Rail Network
Since the start of train operations on 7 November 1987 with just five MRT station on the North-South Line, we have expanded the coverage of our rail network, building more lines and stations. In the coming decade, we will further expand our rail network at an unprecedented scale, as we progressively open the North East Line extension and the rest of the Thomson-East Coast Line, close the loop of the Circle Line, and open the Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line.
By the 2030s, about eight in ten households will be within ten-minute walk of a train station.
Learn more about the rail network and upcoming rail projects.

Renewing North-South and East-West Lines
The North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) are the oldest and most heavily utilised rail lines in our network. To ensure that both lines continue to be safe, reliable, and efficient, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has completed renewals of their
sleepers, third rail and signalling systems. It is now upgrading the track circuit and power systems. On 4 June 2023, LTA also introduced the first batch of the new R151 trains for passenger service, which will replace the first generation trains.

Mid-life Upgrade of the North East Line Trains
The North East Line (NEL) runs some of our oldest driverless MRT trains. These trains are currently undergoing a mid-life upgrade, which will refresh the train interiors, decrease maintenance downtime and minimise the risk of delays which arise
from train faults due to equipment failure. The mid-life upgrading works was started in 2019, and is targeted to be completed by 2024.

Renewing the Bukit Panjang LRT and Sengkang-Punggol LRT
All 19 first-generation trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) will be replaced between 2023 and 2025, with new trains that are equipped with better system redundancy and condition monitoring systems. The power supply and signalling systems will also
be replaced to improve reliability and maintainability from the use of new parts; these works are expected to be completed by 2023 and 2026 respectively.

Another 25 new Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) two-car trains have also been purchased to better meet long-term public transport demand in Sengkang and Punggol towns. They are expected to be delivered progressively from 2024 to 2028. The SPLRT depot is also being expanded from 3.5 hectares to 11.1 hectares, to increase its stabling capacity and create more space for maintenance facilities. The depot expansion works are expected to be completed by 2027.

Learn more about the various renewal works in our rail network.