Two new third-generation Light Rail Vehicles for the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) will enter passenger service from 1 August 2024. These two vehicles are part of the batch of 19 new vehicles manufactured by Alstom Transport (S), which will gradually replace the BPLRT’s first-generation vehicles, some of which have been in service for over 20 years. In parallel, the thirteen second-generation vehicles in service today are being upgraded.
2 By mid-2025, half of the BPLRT fleet would have completed renewal works and return to passenger service. By end-2025, all of the 19 new third-generation vehicles would have arrived in Singapore, in time for the full BPLRT fleet to be renewed by 2026.
Enhancements and Improved features
3 As more new and upgraded vehicles enter passenger service, commuters will enjoy smoother and more comfortable rides. To serve commuters better, the new vehicles also come with new LCD monitors with dynamic coloured route displays, to help passengers better identify their current station and track the vehicles’ route. The new vehicles are also equipped with brighter, energy-efficient LED lights, and an upgraded air-conditioning system with enhanced cooling capabilities and even distribution of air throughout the vehicle.
4 Additionally, the new vehicles feature a condition monitoring system that oversees the health of key systems such as the doors, brakes, and air conditioning. Sensors will also be installed on two vehicles to provide real-time monitoring of the power rail conditions when travelling along the tracks, allowing for earlier detection and repairing of defects. This system provides the operator with a comprehensive overview of the functionality and performance of both the vehicles and tracks, enabling pre-emptive maintenance when required.
Progress update on system renewal works
5 In addition to the new vehicles, multiple concurrent activities and significant upgrades are ongoing to renew the BPLRT system:
a. Four second-generation vehicles have already been upgraded and are running in passenger service. These upgraded vehicles feature the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system similar to those used on the MRT lines, with backup systems that can enhance system reliability. The remaining nine second-generation vehicles will be gradually upgraded and tested in the coming months.
b. The signalling system has also been upgraded in phases since 2022, with a new supervisory signalling system that was deployed together with the upgraded second-generation vehicles since July 2023.
c. The Operations Control Centre (OCC) is being refurbished to enhance the overall operational management of BPLRT.
d. The entire power supply system for BPLRT has also been fully upgraded with increased capacity, including enhancements such as a dedicated power supply monitoring and control systems. The power rail system is also undergoing renewal works, with parts such as the rail brackets and joints being replaced with new and more robust components. All these improvements will help to improve system reliability.
6 To facilitate renewal works, dual loop services on the BPLRT had been limited to weekday peak hours. With the progress of renewal works and introduction of new and upgraded vehicles, dual loop services on the BPLRT have also resumed between 11am and 1pm, and 5pm and 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays since end June 2024. Further resumption of dual loop services will be carried out as we make further progress in renewal works.
Keeping the system live while upgrading
7 Renewing the BPLRT system on multiple fronts while ensuring that it remains operational during the day for our commuters requires careful balancing on all work fronts. Both renewal and maintenance activities must be planned and carried out within the narrow window of engineering hours at night, with safety measures to ensure concurrent activities do not interfere with each other. COVID-19 also introduced uncertainties such as manpower shortages, and slower progress due to supply chain disruptions and the lockdown of cities where train manufacturing works were taking place.
8 We have overcome many of these challenges, and the renewal works are making good progress. The introduction of the two new third-generation vehicles marks an important milestone in this journey as we continue to work on the rest of the BPLRT renewal programme. We thank commuters and residents for their understanding and patience during the ongoing renewal works. We expect the renewal works to be completed by 2026.
