Expanding the Rail Network
Since the start of train operations on 7 November 1987 with just five MRT stations on the North-South Line, we have expanded the coverage of our rail network, building more lines and stations over the years. Today, we are expanding our rail network at an unprecedented pace, with a series of major projects to be completed progressively: “closing the loop” with Circle Line Stage 6, Stage 5 of the Thomson-East Coast Line, the Downtown Line 3 extension, as well as the Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line.
By the 2030s, about eight in ten households will be within a 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 sustain the reliability of both lines to meet current and future demands, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has completed the renewal of their six core systems. On 4 June 2023, LTA also introduced the first batch of the new R151 trains for passenger service, which will replace the earlier generation NSEWL trains progressively by 2026, before the end of their service life.
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 started in 2019 and are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
Renewing the Bukit Panjang LRT and Sengkang-Punggol LRT
All 19 first-generation trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) will be replaced with new trains between 2023 and 2025. The power rail and signalling systems will also be upgraded to improve operations and system reliability. Since December 2024, we have fully resume double-loop service on the BPLRT all day during operating hours . We are on track to complete the BPLRT renewal works by 2026.
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. The trains started arriving in Singapore in 2024 and will continue to be delivered progressively until 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.