Singapore’s Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit system commenced operations with its first two third-generation vehicles on July 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the network’s comprehensive fleet renewal program.
The new two-car Light Rail Vehicles, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Mihara, Japan, represent the initial deployment of 25 units that will progressively replace the existing first-generation fleet comprising 25 single-car and eight two-car vehicles. The modernization initiative will retain eight second-generation two-car units currently in service, resulting in a unified fleet of 33 two-car vehicles by end-2028.
Initial deployment will focus on the Punggol West Loop and Punggol East Loop over consecutive weekends to facilitate performance monitoring during early passenger service operations. Following successful evaluation, the vehicles will transition to regular weekday operations by late July. The remaining 23 third-generation units will enter service progressively from the third quarter of 2025 after completing comprehensive testing and commissioning procedures.
The fleet expansion will substantially increase overall passenger capacity to accommodate growing ridership demand across the Sengkang-Punggol corridor. The transition to exclusively two-car operations represents a strategic shift toward higher-capacity service delivery.
Passenger experience enhancements include ergonomic seating configurations, energy-efficient LED lighting systems, and high-definition LCD passenger information displays. Safety improvements feature door-closing indicator light strips providing enhanced visual warnings, while upgraded air-conditioning systems ensure improved climate control throughout the journey.
Operational efficiency gains are achieved through integrated touch-screen diagnostic panels enabling faster fault detection during maintenance procedures and testing protocols. Staff accessibility to onboard equipment has been improved through ergonomic design modifications. Critical safety features include inter-car doors facilitating rapid passenger evacuation during emergency situations.
Supporting infrastructure development includes a major expansion of the SPLRT depot facility from 3.5 to 11.1 hectares. The enhanced facility will provide additional vehicle stabling capacity and expanded maintenance capabilities. Infrastructure improvements encompass two new reception tracks designed to reduce vehicle launch times and three additional traction power substations to support the increased electrical demand of two-car operations.
The depot upgrade project is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will require temporary service adjustments along selected network segments. Detailed service modification schedules will be announced as implementation timelines are finalized.
Environmental sustainability initiatives accompany the fleet modernization through comprehensive first-generation vehicle repurposing programs. The Land Transport Authority is actively engaging community partners to identify opportunities for decommissioned vehicle reuse, either as complete units or through component-level applications.
Previous collaboration examples include partnerships with City Developments Limited, ITE College West, SG Enable, the Singapore Armed Forces, and Singapore University of Technology and Design for train upcycling projects. Organizations interested in repurposing opportunities can contact the authority through dedicated coordination channels.
The Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit system serves as a critical feeder network connecting residential areas to the broader MRT system. The fleet renewal program represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at maintaining service reliability while accommodating projected ridership growth in these rapidly developing districts.
The third-generation vehicles incorporate advanced technologies and passenger amenities reflecting Singapore’s commitment to continuous public transport system enhancement. The successful deployment of these initial units establishes the foundation for the comprehensive fleet transition scheduled over the next three years.
