Skip to main content
Best News Website or Mobile Service
WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Best News Website or Mobile Service
Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Hamburger Menu
Advertisement
Advertisement

Singapore

LTA unveils high-speed test site for MRT trains, on track to complete Southeast Asia’s first rail testing facility

LTA said the construction of the facility, which commenced in 2021, is on track for completion in 2025.

LTA unveils high-speed test site for MRT trains, on track to complete Southeast Asia’s first rail testing facility

A train at the Singapore Rail Test Centre in Tuas.

New: You can now listen to articles.

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

SINGAPORE: Singapore is a step closer to completing Southeast Asia's pioneer rail testing facility, with the first of three planned tracks at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) now up and running.

The straight 3-km high-speed testing track in Tuas can test the performance of MRT trains at various speeds, before they are rolled out to serve passengers.

Currently, two Circle Line Stage 6 trains are undergoing tests on the track.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Thursday (Nov 2) unveiled the track as it announced the completion of the first phase of the project.

Two more tracks are in the works – a 3-km endurance looped track with an uphill section to test the trains’ performance, and a 2.8-km circuit to help integrate new trains and systems such as signals into the rail network.

An operations control centre, administrative building, as well as maintenance and refurbishment workshops are also being built.

CENTRE TESTS TRAINS AND SYSTEMS

LTA said the construction of the facility, which commenced in 2021, is on track for completion in 2025.

The centre will reduce the reliance on overseas testing and free up hours on the main rail lines for maintenance.

The statutory board said the facility will play a crucial role in ongoing efforts to renew, upgrade and expand Singapore’s rail network.

An artist illustration of test tracks at the Singapore Rail Test Centre.

The approximately 50-hectare facility will be equipped to conduct testing and integration of new and refurbished trains and other core railway systems – including signalling, communications, power and integrated supervisory control systems – for all MRT lines.

The centre also has energy saving equipment incorporated into its design and operations, with features such as LED lighting, solar panels and a hybrid cooling system.

TESTING MRT TRAINS LOCALLY

Singapore typically relies on facilities abroad for the testing of new trains and systems.

However, as centres overseas are unable to fully replicate local conditions, these assets still need to undergo further testing when they arrive in Singapore.

“Once completed, the SRTC will enable railway testing under conditions that closely mirror those of our local MRT lines, including tracks with various gradients and curvature,” said Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

Currently, MRT trains and systems are tested on existing MRT lines after hours between 1am and 4am, when train services are not running. These previous few engineering hours are shared between testing, maintenance and servicing.

Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat

The dedicated facility will allow train testing to be carried out away from the main rail lines, freeing up time and space for maintenance activities during those limited hours.

The testing can also be conducted round-the-clock, as the SRTC is far from residential areas.  

MORE THAN JUST A TESTING GROUND

Mr Chee said the need for a national testing facility has become more apparent as Singapore upgrades and expands its rail system.

He said: “We will need to test more systems, and more frequently, as we enter a period of unprecedented network expansion till early 2030s, with the development of the Thomson-East Coast Line, the Jurong Region Line, and the Cross Island Line, as well as the extension and renewal of our existing MRT lines.”

Mr Chee hopes the centre can also be a training ground for aspiring rail professionals and operators.

“One ambitious stretch goal is to deepen the capabilities of our local rail workforce,” he said. “It can also support research and development by leading rail manufacturers, consultants, academia and operators, who can use SRTC’s facilities to test and pilot new technologies and systems.”

Mr Chee added that the facility can serve as a regional and global testing hub for new railway technology and systems.

“The SRTC has the potential to become a regional testing centre, to serve the growing rail systems in neighbouring countries,” he said.

“In turn, this can provide our local rail engineers with more opportunities to learn from and engage their counterparts in the region.”

Source: CNA/dn(ca)
Advertisement

Also worth reading

Advertisement