Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) ordered from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) an additional 8 trains for Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) to boost transport capacity on the line.
Under the additional order which was received jointly with MHI’s regional subsidiary Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific, the manufacturer will deliver 8 two-car trains (16 cars) for the Automated Guideway Transit used on the light rail line.
The specifications of the newly ordered cars will be enhanced for improved operation and maintenance (O&M) efficiency to meet LTA’s needs but will continue to feature the original exterior design which is harmonised with the Sengkang and Punggol districts’ landscapes.
In February 2022, LTA has awarded two separate contracts for the procurement of 17 two-car trains for Sengkang-Punggol LRT and the expansion of its depot facilities. The train contract signed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering had a value of SGD 439 million (USD 331.4 million) and includes the provision of signalling system, guideway system and depot equipment for the expanded depot.
The SPLRT fleet consists of 16 two-car trains and 25 one-car trains and the ordered 17 trains (34 cars) will progressively replace the existing one-car trains, increasing passenger capacity on the SPLRT network to better serve residents and meet long-term public transport demand in Sengkang and Punggol towns. The new trains are expected to be delivered progressively from 2024 to 2027.
The cars and all systems delivered by MHI Group for the LRT’s inauguration in 2003 were acclaimed for their high reliability, and over the succeeding two decades, the company has consistently been engaged to undertake system retrofitting, expand the rolling stock depot, and provide a wide range of after-sales services.
The SPLRT network connects two stations on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) North East Line (Sengkang and Punggol stations) with their respective residential areas. Its transport capacity is undergoing expansion in order to accommodate the growing use of its branch lines, given local population growth in recent years.
“Over the past two decades, we have supported Singapore’s LTA in providing convenient and dependable transport services by supplying the Sengkang Punggol LRT system with highly reliable trains and providing a wide range of after-sales services,” Kenji Terasawa, CEO and Head of Engineering Solutions, said.
The contract between the two companies included the creation of MHI regional Technical Service Centre in Singapore in 2021 which provides localised services and long-term technical support for Singapore’s public transport system.
Share on:
