2023 Rail Report: LRT upgrades and new rail lines' updates

In its 2023 Rail Report, LTA celebrates major milestones on the front of rail network expansion and enhancements. It also teased updates on both LRT lines and further expansion works that will improve connectivity and mobility for commuters. 

LRT network upgrades

Starting 2024, the Sengkang Punggol LRT fleet will progressively welcome 25 new two-car trains from 2024. These will replace the existing, older trains. LTA said this ensures the system has sufficient capacity to serve the growing number of residents in Sengkang and Punggol towns. 

Upcoming enhancements to the Sengkang LRT station include designated platforms for eastbound and westbound trains to improve commuter flow

Corresponding enhancements will be made to the Sengkang LRT station. These include designated platforms for the East and West loops, and two train-stopping locations per platform, to improve commuter flow during boarding and alighting.

Work is also being done to expand the Sengkang Depot in support of the higher-capacity Sengkang Punggol LRT. 

The Bukit Panjang LRT will receive two new trains in 2024, and will be deployed for passenger service after the necessary tests have been completed. These are among the 19 new trains replacing first-generation trains that have been in service since 1999, said LTA. 

The authority added that two of 13 second-generation trains introduced in 2015 have been upgraded with the new Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. Both trains re-entered passenger service earlier this year. These enhancements are expected to improve the commuter experience on the Bukit Panjang LRT.

New rail connections

The Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 4 (TEL4), which will bring better connectivity to residents in the east, is slated to open in 2024. LTA said works have been "substantially completed". TEL4 will feature seven new stations: Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap and Bayshore. 

Train testing on TEL4 is underway and the stations will be progressively handed over to the operator, SMRT, early next year. SMRT will then conduct their trial running activities before commencing passenger service proper.

Seven new stations on the TEL4 will be progressively handed over to SMRT for commencement of passenger service in 2024

The North East Line extension, which connects the Punggol MRT station to the new Punggol Coast MRT station, will also open in 2024. While works are close to completion, with structural works for the new station and tunnels already finished, electrical and mechanical installations are still ongoing.

Construction works on King Albert Park, Clementi and West Coast stations for the Cross Island Line Phase 2 are expected to start in the first quarter of 2024. Tenders for the remaining three stations - Jurong Lake District, Maju, Turf City - are also slated to be awarded next year. 

LTA said its efforts on the rail network will add more than 50 new stations by 2030, to the 200 MRT and LRT stations in use today. These will also go towards expanding the length of our rail lines from about 258km today to more than 330km in the same year.