Eight Additional Two-Car Light Rail Vehicles to Be Added to SPLRT Fleet
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit will resume full train services on the Sengkang West Inner Loop from the start of passenger service on 4 October 2026, two weeks earlier than originally planned (i.e. 18 October 2026). This was made possible by the project team’s efforts to further optimise the sequencing of upgrading works as they progressed, which enabled key works to be completed safely ahead of schedule.
Ongoing Upgrading Works
2. The Sengkang West Inner Loop (i.e. via SW1 Cheng Lim from Sengkang LRT station) has been temporarily closed since 19 Apr 2026 to facilitate major upgrading works to triple the size of the SPLRT depot. The expanded depot is needed to support a larger SPLRT fleet to meet growing ridership demand. The upgrading works involve significant modifications to the existing tracks, the connection of new reception tracks from the expanded depot to the existing SPLRT mainline, as well as the installation and testing of signalling systems and equipment. Overall depot expansion works are progressing smoothly and are on track for completion by 2027.
3. The project team has been able to make good progress on the upgrading works by continuously looking for opportunities to optimise the sequence of works as they were being carried out. Based on the latest progress, LTA has assessed that regular train services on the Sengkang West Inner Loop can resume from 4 October 2026, two weeks ahead of schedule. Accordingly, the weekday peak-period shuttle bus services (Sengkang West Shuttle Bus Service A and Service B) will cease operations after the evening peak on Friday 2 October 2026, ahead of the resumption of regular SPLRT services on Monday 4 October 2026.
4. We thank commuters and residents for their patience and understanding while these complex upgrading works were carried out, as we continue to improve SPLRT services for our commuters.
Further expansion of SPLRT fleet to 41 two-car LRVs by 2030
5. To further support growing travel demand in Sengkang and Punggol, LTA will procure eight additional third-generation two-car Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs). The eight additional LRVs will increase the SPLRT fleet to a total of 41 two-car LRVs by 2030, providing additional passenger capacity.
6. The procurement of the eight additional new LRVs is in addition to the ongoing SPLRT fleet renewal programme, under which 25 new third-generation two-car LRVs are progressively replacing the existing first-generation fleet of 25 one-car and eight two-car LRVs. The existing eight second-generation two-car LRVs will continue to remain in operation.
Enhanced Features for Commuters
7. The third-generation LRVs will provide commuters with smoother and more comfortable rides. Passenger-friendly features include ergonomic seating, brighter and more energy-efficient LED lighting, clearer passenger information displays, more visible door-closing indicator light strips and an improved air-conditioning system for greater passenger comfort.
8. The new LRVs also incorporate enhancements to support operations and maintenance. These include an onboard touch-screen diagnostic panel for quicker fault detection during maintenance and more ergonomic access to onboard equipment for staff. Inter-car doors will also facilitate safer and quicker passenger evacuation during emergencies.
