Sengkang-Punggol LRT line gets new LRVs

LTA has said that the first two out of 25 new third-generation, two-car Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) line will begin passenger service on 15 July 2025.

The first two LRVs will be deployed to the Punggol West Loop and Punggol East Loop over two weekends to allow monitoring of their performance during initial passenger service, before being introduced into weekday operations towards the end of July 2025.

The remaining 23 third-generation LRVs will arrive progressively and enter passenger service from the third quarter of 2025 onwards, after completing comprehensive testing and commissioning. By the end of 2028, when all new LRVs are deployed, the SPLRT fleet will comprise 33 two-car LRVs. This will increase the overall passenger capacity of the SPLRT to meet ridership demand.

The new LRVs are manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Mihara, Japan

The new LRVs feature ergonomic seating, brighter and more energy-efficient LED lighting, clearer LCD passenger information displays, and new door-closing indicator light strips for more visible warnings of closing doors. The new LRVs will also come with an improved air-conditioning system for enhanced passenger comfort.

The new LRVs also feature operational enhancements such as an onboard touch-screen diagnosis panel for quicker fault detection during testing and maintenance, as well as more ergonomic access to onboard equipment by staff. Additionally, the LRVs are equipped with inter-car doors to facilitate safer and quicker passenger evacuation during emergencies.

To support the operations and maintenance of the larger LRV fleet, the SPLRT depot is being expanded to provide additional stabling and maintenance facilities. The upgraded depot will include two new reception tracks to reduce LRV launch times, while three additional traction power substations will cater for the higher power demand of the new two-car LRVs. These enhancements will improve the SPLRT's overall capacity and reliability, and are on track for completion by 2027.