$2.6b project to refresh S'pore's oldest MRT lines almost done

4 of 6 core systems upgraded; work on track circuit system to be finished by Dec

- Christopher Tan

 

A $2.6 billion programme to renew the North-South and East-West MRT lines is slated to be mostly completed by December.

Four of the six core systems have been upgraded - replacing sleepers that hold the running rail in place, changing the third rail that supplies traction power to trains, upgrading the signalling system, and renewing the power system.

New concrete sleepers, which replace the badly worn wooden ones, ensure safer operation of trains.

The third rail was the main cause of two massive breakdowns in 2011 that resulted in a Committee of Inquiry being convened.

The new signalling system allows trains to run at 100-second intervals instead of the previous 120second gaps which will reduce crowding on trains as well as on station platforms.

The glitchy power system had also caused Singapore's biggest rail breakdown in 2015, which brought the North-South, East-West lines to a standstill during the evening rush hour of July 7. The new power system completed in September 2023 - is expected to be more robust, and has sensors that can detect faults before they manifest into something serious.

Work is still going on to replace the two lines' track circuit system.