The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Friday (Mar 28) that the 50-hectare Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), located near Tuas Link station on the East-West Line (EWL), has completed construction works and is now fully operational.
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The SRTC is fully equipped to conduct rigorous testing and commissioning of trains and core railways systems and will support testing requirements for both new and existing rail lines.
SEE ALSO: What Happens When New Trains Begin the Dynamic Testing Phase? »
LTA said that with the completion of SRTC, train testing “will no longer rely on overseas facilities or occupy limited engineering hours on our operational rail network”.
“By enabling round-the-clock testing in a controlled environment without disrupting passenger services or maintenance on operational lines, the SRTC will support our efforts to strengthen rail reliability,” it added.
Layout of the Singapore Rail Test Centre. (Image: LTA)
The SRTC would also enable comprehensive testing of various railway systems, including signalling, communications, power, and integrated supervisory control systems, before they are installed and integrated on running rail lines.
The new train testing facility would also support the development of new railway technologies and systems by providing facilities for LTA, rail operators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
“Such facilities and partnerships will also create opportunities to deepen operational and maintenance capabilities among our local rail workforce.”
SRTC construction commenced in 2021 and was completed in two phases
A 2.8km high-speed test track was completed under the first phase in November 2023, designed with minimal curvature and gradients. It allows trains to reach and maintain top speeds of up to 100km/h to test traction and brakes.
The high-speed test track is also equipped with both third-rail and overhead conductor rail power systems to allow for the testing of trains and systems from different MRT lines.
Currently, around 10 of 23 new 3rd-gen Alstom Metropolis C851E trains for the CCL have been delivered to Singapore. (Image: SGTrains)
SGTrains understands that the C851E trains, the new 3rd-gen Circle Line (CCL) rolling stock, have undergone testing and commissioning works at SRTC since November 2023. Currently, about half of all 23 C851E trains have been delivered to Singapore.
The second phase of SRTC, now completed, includes two more test tracks: a 2.8km looped performance and integration test track and a 3km looped endurance test track.
The looped performance and integration test track is a branched S-track for integrated train testing. The looped endurance test track includes an uphill gradient section for mileage accumulation tests to verify the train’s reliability after running for a specific mileage.
The three test tracks are designed to accommodate various signalling and communication systems used across the MRT network.
A 3-storey building at the SRTC houses an Operations Control Centre (OCC), administration offices, workshops, and inspection and maintenance areas to support mid-life upgrading works for trains.
“The SRTC will play a key role in ongoing efforts to enhance rail reliability as we continue to expand and renew our rail network,” said LTA.
Rail viaduct link between Tuas Link station and Singapore Rail Test Centre
The model of the Singapore Rail Test Centre, with the rail viaduct link modelled on the top-right. (Image: SGTrains)
In early 2024, LTA called a tender for Contract 1906 (C1906) to design and construct a rail viaduct linking Tuas Link station on the EWL with the SRTC. This linkage would allow trains to enter the train testing facility via the rail extension, as reported by The Straits Times.
Currently, trains are transported into the testing facility by road via trailers.
READ MORE: LTA calls tender for linking Singapore Rail Test Centre and Tuas Link MRT station »
The Tuas Depot, Tuas Link MRT station and Singapore Rail Test Centre are within close proximity. (Image: Screengrab via Google Earth)
LTA on Feb 26 has awarded C1906, valued at S$56 million, to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Branch Office Singapore for the design and construction of the rail viaduct link, expected to be completed in 2029.
External Links
Singapore Rail Test Centre Opens for Operations – LTA
$800m rail test centre opens, allows trains and rail systems to be tested in Singapore – ST
Images: LTA, SGTrains, Screengrab via Google Earth.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.