Upgrading the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL)

The North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) are the most heavily utilised rail lines in the MRT network, having served commuters for over three decades now.

To improve and bolster reliability for current and future demands, LTA has embarked on the renewal of six core systems on the NSEWL. This includes replacements of sleepers and third rail in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and the switch to the new signalling system in 2018.

As part of the renewal, LTA will be introducing a new fleet of 66 trains to replace the first-generation trains, and these trains will feature a range of technologies for preventive maintenance and detecting faults proactively to increase reliability. These trains from Alstom SA (formerly known as Bombardier Transportation) will progressively enter service in batches from 2022.

Benefits of renewing the 6 Core Systems

New signalling system for shorter train intervals

New signalling system for shorter waiting times
The new system allows trains to run more closely to each other. The upgrading of NSL’s signalling system has completed, while the system on the EWL has also since stabilised.

Replacement of sleepers and a smoother ride

Replacement of sleepers and a smoother ride
Timber sleepers were replaced with hardier concrete ones. A total of 188,000 sleepers were upgraded over a four-year period from 2013 to 2016.

More reliability with a new third rail
The third-rail – which supplies electricity to the trains – is exposed to constant wear and tear. It has been replaced with a new one, improving the reliability of the power supply. A total of 180km of rail were replaced over a two-year period from 2015 to 2017.

New power supply system with better fault detection

New power supply system with better fault detection
The power supply upgrade has enhanced features for real-time monitoring, to improve fault detection and prediction. The system can also automatically switch to an alternative source of supply during a power outage to improve the overall resilience of the power supply network.

New track circuit system for faster fault recovery

New track circuit system for faster fault recovery
The new system will automatically detect broken rails that require repairs. It also has a built-in condition monitoring system to pre-emptively address possible track circuit failures. This will allow the system to recover more quickly from any signalling system failures.

New generation trains with fault detection capability

New generation trains with fault detection capability
The new trains will have built-in condition monitoring and diagnostic systems to detect faults early and track in real time the performance of various systems on the train. The interiors of the trains have also been designed to make boarding easier and increase passenger capacity, while maintaining the number of seats. All commuters will be catered for, including parents with strollers, wheelchair users, and commuters with personal mobility devices or foldable bicycles.