Thales will digitalise depot signalling equipment for Singapore’s oldest MRT lines (North-South and East-West)

• Thales signed a new contract with Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore for the digitalization of the 2 depots on the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL).
• Thales’ latest generation of advanced interlocking solution will be delivered to modernize the depots.
• Singapore’s North-South and East-West Lines extend more than 100 km in length, with 62 stations and 1.4 million daily passengers*. NSEWL are the most heavily utilized rail lines in the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network, having served commuters for over three decades.

Thales recently signed a contract with LTA to deploy the latest interlocking solution across 2 large depots for North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) in Singapore.

These depots are the two oldest and largest depots across the network. The Bishan Depot was completed in 1986, 37 years ago and the Ulu Pandan Depot was completed in 1988, 35 years ago.

* SMRT website Information Kit (smrt.com.sg)

All the works have to be carried out safely and meticulously, without impacting daily operations in the depots where train movement happens 24x7. Thales’ strong partnership with LTA and SMRT will ensure a continued commuting experience for passengers who rely on these crucial lines for everyday journeys.

In 2012, Thales and SMRT launched a re-signalling project on Singapore's railway backbone, i.e., the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), to convert the legacy fixed block technology to a moving block Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. For the past 10 years, Thales and SMRT have built a strong foundation, embracing local expertise and promoting innovative collaborations. This new contract reinforces this customer trust in Thales to successfully deliver and strengthen the long-term partnership with LTA and SMRT.

“Singapore’s NSEWL is one of the oldest and most complex CBTC modernized lines in the world. Thales is thrilled to continue being part of the digitalisation of 2 depots. By leveraging on cutting-edge SelTrac™ technologies and our extensive expertise, we aim to enhance safety and reliability for improved rail journeys across the globe.” – Alcino De Sousa, Vice-President and Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Thales

“We are proud to continue working with LTA and SMRT. We will continue with our ‘One Team approach’ to collaboratively deliver the project safely, without any impact to passenger commuting on the NSEWL.” – Yu Feng, Ground Transportation Systems Director in Singapore, Thales

The North-South Line is Singapore’s first MRT line. It started operations in November 1987 to connect Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh. The East-West Line started in December 1987 as part of the North-South Line, connecting City Hall and Outram stations. By 1990, the East-West Line had grown to reach Boon Lay station in the west. In February 2002, the Changi Airport MRT extension was added. The Tuas West Extension entered service in June 2017 with four new stations that improved accessibility and connectivity for those working in the area. Today, the 57km East-West Line is the longest train line in operation, with a mix of underground and above-ground stations. The MRT network currently comprises six MRT lines with more than 140 stations. Source