New 3rd-gen Sengkang-Punggol LRT train undergoes daytime tests, will enter passenger service in Q3 2025

The upcoming 3rd-gen Sengkang–Punggol LRT (SPLRT) train has begun daytime testing recently, indicating a progression in its dynamic testing and commissioning phase as it works towards entry into passenger service in the third quarter of 2025.

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Artist’s Impression of the new two-car LRT trains for SPLRT. (Image: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries via LTA/Facebook)

These new SPLRT trains are part of Contract 810D, awarded by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in February 2022 to the consortium of Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, Ltd, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Rail operator SBS Transit earlier said on May 9 that LTA had handed them the first two of 25 new two-car SPLRT trains, and these C810D trains are “undergoing rigorous testing and commissioning”.

“These new trains are on track to enter passenger service later this year,” said SBS Transit, adding that the rest of the fleet will progressively arrive in Singapore and will “start operations in batches after the third quarter of 2025”.

Additionally, in a report published by the former Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council in April this year, it said that the “first of the new 2-car vehicles to be launched by end June 2025”.

In various YouTube videos uploaded by local trainspotters on Jun 20, the first C810D train – Train 59 – had begun daytime testing during operational hours on the Sengkang LRT, where it ran the same time as existing passenger services without opening its doors.

The two-car train stopped at a station, shown in one of the videos uploaded, and “Test Train” and “Do not enter” notices were pasted on the doors. The station’s information system also showed, on scrolling text, that the train was not “in-service” before the train departed.

SGTrains understands that both Trains 58 and 59 had previously gone on mainline testing earlier this year, in January and March, respectively, after passenger service hours, according to crowdsourced trainspotting platform SGTrains Spotters.

Interior of new 3rd-gen Mitsubishi Crystal Mover (C810D) trains. (Images: Screengrab from LTA/Facebook)

When the new C810D trains enter passenger service, commuters can look forward to energy-efficient LED lighting, door closing indicators for better safety, better seats for greater comfort and support, and an improved air-conditioning system for quieter and cooler journeys.

LTA told news outlet Straits Times (ST) in November 2024 that the SPLRT fleet now comprises 16 two-car trains and 25 one-car trains.

ST reported: “The earlier order of 17 two-car trains will replace the existing 25 one-car trains, while the later order of eight two-car trains will replace half of the existing 16 two-car trains. As a result, the SPLRT network will eventually have a fleet of 33 two-car trains.”

In an earlier article written by SGTrains, according to checks publicly available on the government’s procurement portal, LTA called a tender for Contract 8137 for the Disposal of Light Rail Vehicles in January this year. The tender closed on Feb 28, pending an award.

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External Links
“The first two of 25 new two-car trains for the Sengkang-Punggol LRT have officially been handed over to SBS Transit!” – SBST/Facebook
Punggol: Pasir Ris – Punggol Town Council April 2025 – PRPTC
“C810D after:2025-06-19” – YouTube
“Sengkang-Punggol’s Newest LRT Train! (DAY TIME TESTING)[SBST] C810D V59 1/2 at Farmway, Do not Board” – ShiJie 12311/YouTube
First 2 new trains for Sengkang-Punggol LRT arrive in Singapore, will enter service in Q3 2025 – ST

Images: SBST/Facebook, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries via LTA/Facebook, Screengrab from LTA/Facebook.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.