New 3rd Generation MRT Train for the Circle Line Arrives in Singapore

The new third-generation Circle Line MRT train, the Alstom Metropolis C851E has arrived in Singapore. (Images: LTA)

The first new third-generation MRT train for the Circle Line (CCL), the Alstom Metropolis C851E, has arrived in Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Friday (Mar 11).

New Alstom Metropolis C851E (Circle Line) Train Arrives in Singapore

Purchase of 23 new MRT trains in 2018 and 2019

“After assembling the train parts together, the CCL trains must pass multiple tests in Barcelona before they come to Singapore. 📝🎓” (Photo: LTA)

LTA awarded Alstom Transport the contract to initially supply 11 new MRT trains for the CCL and six new MRT trains for the North East Line (NEL) in 2018.

The order was expanded in the following year with an additional 12 more trains for the CCL, expanding the fleet by 36 per cent in preparation for the sixth stage for the Circle Line (CCL6).

The new CCL trains are manufactured and assembled at Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Barcelona, Spain.

The CCL fleet will have a total of 87 trains when all 23 new Alstom Metropolis C851E (Circle Line) trains are delivered.

Fitted with Condition Monitoring and Automatic Track Inspection System

“#DoYouKnow that it typically takes 3 – 5 years to assemble, manufacture and test our trains? 😧 A lot of hard work goes behind-the-scenes! Here’s a snapshot 📷 of our contractors in Barcelona, going through their routines to ensure that our CCL train is in tip-top condition.” (Photo: LTA)

Similar to the newly upgraded train for the NEL which recently entered passenger service, the new CCL trains will come equipped with condition monitoring systems that gather data from various equipment on the trains.

This will enable the operator to carry out predictive maintenance for the trains, facilitating a more robust maintenance regime.

“In case you’re wondering, no – our CCL train is not deliberately hiding away from the sun! ☀️
To move the train around the factory, we will use this moving platform. 😎” (Photo: LTA)

In addition, two trainsets will be fitted with an Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) system.

This ATI system enables monitoring of the running rails, trackside equipment and sleepers when the trains are deployed for passenger service.

“Here’s a last shot of our first CCL train, as it made its way to Barcelona’s shipping port!” (Photo: LTA)

It also supplements existing track inspection works during engineering hours for more timely and effective maintenance works.

The current collector shoes for the CCL trains to receive power from the third-rail system is also equipped with a shear-off sensor which allows the operator to react promptly when dislodgement is detected.

The sixth stage of the Circle Line (CCL6)

“Minister for Transport S Iswaran received a Tunnel Boring Machine Model as a token of appreciation.” (Photo: LTA)

On Jan 12, 2022, the LTA marked the completion of tunnelling works for CCL6 with a final tunnel breakthrough from Prince Edward Road MRT station into Cantonment MRT station that day.

The CCL6 consists of three new MRT stations between the existing HarbourFront MRT station and Marina Bay MRT station.

CC 30 Keppel
CC 31 Cantonment
CC 32 Prince Edward Road

When the CCL6 opens in 2026, the LTA said that it will bring travel time savings of up to 10 minutes for commuters travelling from Telok Blangah to the Marina Bay area.

It added that commuters travelling from Paya Lebar to Mountbatten will “enjoy faster access to the retail and office centres in the HarbourFront area”.

MORE INFO: Circle Line 6 – 55 Percent Completed, On Track For Opening In 2026 »

Check Out Other Related Posts

First Upgraded Train for North East Line To Enter Passenger Service From Feb 28

Arrival of 7th Generation MRT Trains for North-South and East-West Lines

Arrival of New 3rd Generation Trains for North East Line

Related Links
Alstom Metropolis C851E – SGTrains
Circle Line – SGTrains

External Links
Alstom to Supply 17 New Trains for North East Line Extension and Circle Line 6 – LTA [Accessed 11 Mar 2022]
Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & SMRT – Upgrading the Circle Line in Preparation for Circle Line 6 – LTA [Accessed 11 Mar 2022]
“It’s a train… 🚇 and it’s orange… 🧡 it’s our very first new Circle Line (#CCL) train that has just arrived in Singapore (with another 22 more joining the fleet progressively)! 🤩🇸🇬” – LTA/Facebook [Accessed 11 Mar 2022]

Images by LTA/Facebook.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.