The first two of 25 new third-generation two-car Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) will begin passenger service on 15 July 2025. This is a major milestone for the SPLRT fleet renewal programme, which will see these third-generation LRVs progressively replace all the existing first-generation fleet of 25 one-car and eight two-car LRVs. Another eight second-generation two-car LRVs will remain in operation. The new LRVs are manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in Mihara, Japan.
2. 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.
3. The remaining 23 new third-generation LRVs will arrive progressively and enter passenger service from the third quarter of 2025 onwards, after completing comprehensive testing and commissioning. By end-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.
Enhancements and improved features
4. With the new LRVs entering passenger service, commuters will enjoy smoother and more comfortable rides. To improve passenger experience, 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.
5. The new LRVs also feature operational enhancements. This includes 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.
SPLRT Depot expansion
6. To support the operations and maintenance of the larger LRV fleet, the SPLRT depot is being expanded from 3.5 to 11.1 hectares, 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.
7. To facilitate these depot expansion works, service adjustments will be required along select stretches of the SPLRT. More details on the service adjustments will be announced when ready.
Repurposing of First-Generation LRVs
8. As the new LRVs are deployed for passenger service, the first-generation LRVs will be progressively decommissioned. As part of sustainability efforts, LTA is inviting community partners to repurpose the decommissioned LRVs either as full train cars or through reuse of individual parts. LTA has previously worked with various organisations including City Developments Limited, ITE College West, SG Enable, the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore University for Technology and Design to upcycle decommissioned trains and train parts. Interested parties can email LTA_Train_Repurpose@lta.gov.sg for more information.
Annex: Photos of new SPLRT vehicles
