Policies
The length of our rail network will increase to about 360km in the early 2030s to reach more people and places. The denser network will also provide more convenient options and alternative travel routes for commuters who use public transport.
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.
Rail Reliability
Rail reliability will continue to be a top priority. Since 2019, we have achieved and maintained our target of 1 million Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF), making us one of the leading metro systems worldwide for reliability.
Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC)
This centre, which will be located at the site of the former Raffles Country Club, will support the testing and commissioning of trains and railway systems for both new and existing rail lines. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the centre will be able to host round-the-clock testing without affecting operations of active train lines.
This frees up time for maintenance work on the mainline during limited engineering hours, and minimises the need for interruptions to train services during operational hours. The centre’s test tracks are designed to be interoperable and can accommodate all types of trains and railway systems used across the rail network.
Learn more about the ITTC.
Under the NRFF framework, which was first implemented in 2011, LTA took over the ownership of operating assets, such as trains and signalling systems, from the public transport operators. As the asset owner, LTA can ensure timely investments in capacity expansion and the replacement and upgrading of operating assets.
The rail operators, relieved of responsibilities of asset ownership, can then focus on operations and maintenance of the rail network and providing reliable rail services for commuters. Adjustments were also made to the licensing periods, profit and risk sharing arrangements, as well as the regulatory regime, to enhance the contestability, sustainability and reliability of our rail system.
Learn more about the NRFF.
