16 First-Gen NEL Trains Refurbished, Remaining 9 to Be Done by Early 2026

Sixteen of 25 first-generation trains on the North East Line (NEL) have been refurbished as part of a major renewal project that began in 2019, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said.

- Lee Nian Tjoe

The remaining nine trains will be progressively put into service by the first quarter of 2026 after they have been refurbished, Mr Chee said in a written parliamentary reply to Hougang MP Dennis Tan on Feb 28.

Mr Tan had asked for an update on the renewal works for the NEL, how the programme will enhance the line, and how long the upgrades will last before more renewal works may be needed.

The first-generation Alstom Metropolis C751A trains have been in service since the MRT line was opened in 2003.

Besides the trains, other parts of the renewal programme, such as upgrades to the track, power, signalling system and the platform screen doors, were completed in 2021, said Mr Chee.