A New Era for Commuters!

SINGAPORE – If you're a traveler on the Sengkang-Punggol LRT network, get ready for a game-changing experience! Say goodbye to crowded trains and hello to comfort with the introduction of brand new two-carriage trains. The first of these modern marvels hit the tracks on July 15, promising a more spacious and enjoyable journey for passengers.

Massive Capacity Increase Coming Soon!

By the end of 2028, when all 25 new trains are operational, the LRT system will see an impressive 15.8% increase in passenger capacity! This boost comes as the older single-carriage models, alongside some of the existing two-carriage trains, are phased out.

Smooth Rollout Schedule

Initially, these shiny new trains will grace the Punggol West and East Loops over two weekends, before officially rolling out for weekday service by the end of July, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The remaining trains are set to be deployed gradually starting in Q3 2025, with completion expected by 2028.

Enhanced Comfort Features!

Each new two-carriage train can carry around 200 passengers—matching the capacity of current two-carriage units but doubling that of the older single carriages. Passengers can look forward to upgraded ergonomics with redesigned seats, bright LED lighting, and innovative door-closing indicator lights to keep everyone informed.

Safety and Efficiency at Its Best!

These new trains, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, come equipped with enhanced air-conditioning and additional grab handles for standing passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride even during peak times. Maintenance will also be quicker thanks to a new on-board touchscreen diagnostic panel, and safety features include inter-carriage doors for swift evacuations in emergencies.

Depot Expansion in the Works!

To support this fleet upgrade, the Sengkang-Punggol LRT depot is undergoing a significant expansion, set to be completed by 2027. This will increase its area to 11.1 hectares, add new tracks for quicker train launches, and install additional power substations to meet the needs of the new fleet.

Embracing the Future!

At the launch event, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling urged residents to be patient during the depot construction, promising that the improvements will greatly enhance the overall reliability of the network. Commuters like retired market analyst Daniel Sim, who has never experienced a train breakdown in 14 years of living in Punggol, are optimistic about this significant upgrade. He emphasized how better air-conditioning will make the journey more pleasant, especially after school hours.