Singapore’s Land Transport Authority announced that the first six-car train for the Cross Island Line arrived ahead of schedule on May 31, featuring a lime-green exterior, five doors per side, and energy-efficient overhead power systems ahead of the line’s 2030 opening.
Cross Island Line Train Delivery and Testing Timeline
The first China-made train for the Cross Island Line (CRL) arrived on May 31 ahead of schedule, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The remaining fleet will arrive in stages starting in 2027.
Sporting a lime-green exterior stripe, the initial train is currently undergoing rigorous safety and performance evaluations at the Singapore Rail Test Centre in Tuas. Once these baseline evaluations wrap up, engineers will move the train onto the actual CRL tracks for further trials.
After completing all track trials, the manufacturing consortium will take the train back for final touches. The manufacturing group consists of CRRC Qingdao Sifang Company and Singapore CRRC Sifang Railway Vehicles Service.
Enhanced Commuter Comfort and Five-Door Layout
According to LTA statements released on July 31, the new CRL rolling stock incorporates upgrades designed to boost commuter comfort, accessibility, operational reliability, and maintenance efficiency.
Each train car features five doors on each side. This layout mirrors the configuration used on the Thomson-East Coast Line and departs from the four-door setup common on older MRT lines. The extra doors aim to quicken boarding and alighting times during peak hours.
In addition, the trains use micro sliding plug doors. LTA notes that these specialized doors help improve noise insulation inside the cabins.
Did you know?
The Cross Island Line will be Singapore’s longest fully underground MRT line once construction is fully complete.
Overhead Power Systems and Energy Efficiency
The CRL trains run on a 1,500 volt direct-current overhead conductor rail system. LTA states this setup offers higher energy efficiency than standard 750 volt direct-current third rail systems.
Among Singapore’s MRT network, only the North East Line currently utilizes an overhead power system. Other lines rely on a third rail, drawing power directly from the tracks below. LTA selected the overhead configuration to meet the heavy energy demands of a long, high-capacity underground route.
Automated Operations and Smart Diagnostic Systems
The CRL will operate as a fully automated and driverless network. To achieve this, the trains use a communications-based train control signalling system.
This signalling network enables trains to exchange real-time location and speed data with trackside systems. These systems monitor train positions, calculate safe stopping distances, and issue speed adjustment signals automatically.
Furthermore, built-in diagnostic systems detect equipment faults early. The diagnostics package includes new axle box and gearbox monitoring. Select trains will also carry an automated track inspection system to check running rails and overhead power lines in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Cross Island Line open?
The first phase of the Cross Island Line is scheduled to open in 2030, according to LTA.
Where are the new CRL trains manufactured?
The trains are built by a consortium comprising CRRC Qingdao Sifang Company and Singapore CRRC Sifang Railway Vehicles Service.
How many doors do the new CRL train cars have?
Each train car features five doors on each side to speed up passenger boarding and alighting.
What power system do the CRL trains use?
The trains use a 1,500 volt direct-current overhead conductor rail system designed for high-capacity underground lines.
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