First Upgraded Train for North East Line To Enter Passenger Service From Feb 28. (Images: SGTrains)
The first newly upgraded first-generation MRT train for the North East Line, the Alstom Metropolis C751A, will be entering passenger service from Monday (Feb 28).
This is the first of 25 trains for the NEL which have completed its scheduled mid-life upgrade.
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Mid-Life Upgrade for Alstom Metropolis C751A Trains
Alstom Metropolis C751A trains for the North East Line
The refurbished Alstom Metropolis C751A train (left) for the North East Line (NEL). (Image: SGTrains)
Plying on the North East Line (NEL), the Alstom Metropolis C751A trains are the line’s first-generation MRT trains since the line opened in 2003.
Mid-life upgrading works are conducted locally at SBS Transit’s (SBST) Sengkang Depot, where all NEL trains are stabled and go for maintenance after train services end.
CRRC Nanjing Puzhen conducted Mid-Life Upgrade Works in Singapore
Project Manager (centre) from SBST, for the Mid-life Upgrade of the Alstom Metropolis C751A on a Facebook Livestream feature by LTA on Feb 27, 2022. (Screengrab: LTA/Facebook)
In 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. a contract worth around $116.7 million for the mid-life upgrade of the first-generation trains of the NEL.
It added that the company has a “proven track record in several overhaul, assembly and mid-life upgrading projects in Hong Kong and China”.
“The upgrading of trains is the first major step in this multi-year endeavour,” it had said.
The mid-life upgrade works commenced in 2019 and are facilitated by LTA and SBST.
New features for commuters to look forward to
The interior of the upgraded Alstom Metropolis C751A for the North East Line (NEL). (Image: SGTrains)
The refurbishment upgrades include several features that are beneficial to both commuters and the operator SBST.
Commuters can expect a refreshed interior with new interior fittings such as purple-colour seats, handgrips, grab poles, panels, flooring and more standing space with perch seats installed.
In addition, the train’s air-conditioning & ventilation system are upgraded, and the interior is fitted with LED lighting for better visibility and energy consumption.
The new dynamic route map displays (DRMD) have replaced the static route map stickers, providing real-time information and doors opening-side indications.
Better reliability with upgraded internal systems
The display unit of the condition monitoring system onboard the upgraded Alstom Metropolis C751A for the North East Line (NEL). (Screengrab: LTA/Facebook)
The upgraded MRT train comes with a new condition monitoring system for the operator to closely monitor train performance for better facilitation of maintenance planning.
Additionally, all mechanical and electrical systems of the train have undergone detailed inspections, with necessary repairs and replacements done.
Upgraded trains will undergo a series of tests before passenger service
The new Dynamic Route Map Display (DRMD) onboard the upgraded Alstom Metropolis C751A train for the North East Line (NEL). (Image: SGTrains)
To ensure that new components are installed properly and safely, the upgraded MRT train will undergo a series of static and dynamic tests.
The new onboard systems underwent interfacing and communication tests between the legacy system used across the NEL.
Such systems tests include the synchronisation works with the signalling system, DRMD and the station platform screen doors (PSD).
Behind the Upgrade of First Generation NEL Trains
Join us in this video to find out what goes on behind the scenes to refurbish a 19-year-old MRT train!
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Check Out Other Related Posts
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Related Links
Alstom Metropolis C751A – SGTrains
North East Line – SGTrains
External Links
“[HAPPENING NOW] Hello from Sengkang Depot! ? Join us now to view the various features of our newly-upgraded North-East Line (#NEL) train! ???” – LTA/Facebook [Accessed 27 Feb 2022]
Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & SBS Transit – Enhancement Works for the North East Line to Commence in 2019 – LTA [Accessed 27 Feb 2022]
Images by SGTrains and LTA/Facebook.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.