The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will construct a new Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC) to perform integrated systems testing for all new and existing MRT lines. Occupying a site of approximately 50 hectares at the former Raffles Country Club site, the ITTC will be equipped to robustly test trains and other core railways systems (e.g. electrical, mechanical and signalling systems) around the clock, without affecting passenger services on the main lines. This is similar to testing centres in other countries with extensive rail networks, such as Germany, Korea and Japan.

2.   The ITTC will support ongoing efforts to renew, upgrade and expand the rail network. It is expected to enhance rail reliability, while freeing up limited engineering hours and reducing the need for line closures. The facility will start receiving trains for Circle Line 6 around end-2022.

3.   Over time, the ITTC can grow into a hub for LTA and the local rail industry to develop deeper Operations and Maintenance competencies and achieve engineering excellence. The facility will provide railway workers with training opportunities, giving them a first-hand understanding of the intricacies of new rail systems before they are deployed. Equipped with a rolling stock facility, the ITTC can carry out mid-life train refurbishment projects. The ITTC can also serve as a testing ground for the local rail industry to evaluate new railway infrastructure, develop proofs-of-concept, as well as conduct research and development into railway technologies.

4.   LTA Deputy Chief Executive (Infrastructure and Development) Mr Chua Chong Kheng said, “The ITTC allows for robust testing of our trains and integrated systems before they are deployed on operational lines. This approach frees up precious engineering hours for other activities, such as railway maintenance, and reduces the need for future Early Closures and Late Openings. In addition, LTA will be able to speed up the diagnosis and rectification of faults with the ITTC, as troubleshooting can now be done locally.”

5.   LTA will call a contract to design and build the ITTC over the next few months. This will comprise an endurance loop test track, a performance and integration loop test track, a straight high-speed test track and other supporting track facilities. Other facilities such as offices, an operations control centre, a maintenance workshop and a refurbishment workshop will also be included in the scope of work. Construction of the ITTC is expected to start in mid-2020.


Annex : Site Plan of ITTC