LTA, SMRT to enhance Circle Line systems in preparation for completion in 2025
SINGAPORE — Transport authorities have embarked on a series of system enhancements to the Circle Line (CCL) to prepare for the opening of the line’s final three stations in 2025.
In a media release on Thursday (25 July), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT said that the system enhancements will allow the decade-old CCL to support a larger network and train fleet when new stations begin operations in 2025.
The focus of the upgrades include the signalling system; the power supply system; and the hardware and software of the communications system and the integrated supervisory control system to allow more seamless real-time communications between the stations and the Operations Control Centre.
“As we are working on a live railway system, we will work closely with SMRT to put mitigating measures in place to ensure daily operations will not be impacted,” said LTA chief executive Ngien Hoon Ping.
Tunnelling works for Stage Six of the CCL – consisting of Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road stations – began on Thursday with the launch of the tunnel boring machine at Keppel Station, which will tunnel towards the HarbourFront Station.
When this stage of the CCL opens in 2025, it will have 33 stations with 12 interchanges to connect to all existing MRT lines and the future Thomson-East Coast Line. The stations will also close the loop for the CCL by connecting HarbourFront Station to Marina Bay Station.
LTA is also purchasing 12 new trains to cater for the expected increase in passengers when the CCL is fully operational. These trains will be delivered progressively from 2024, and are in addition to the 11 trains that were procured in April 2018 for CCL Stage Six.
When these 23 trains are delivered, the total CCL fleet size will increase by 36 per cent to 87.
As well as the CCL Stage Six construction works, the expanded Kim Chuan Depot will provide additional stabling facilities to support the larger CCL network and train fleet of 133 trains, and the above-ground bus depot will house 550 buses.
Other Singapore stories:
SP Group advises public to be aware of fake employees selling fire extinguishers
NTU grad turned dyslexia into 'strength' to emerge top student and Rhodes scholar
Surgeon’s $100,000 fine and SMC conviction set aside by High Court
