Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
The first upgraded North East Line (NEL) train is out for passenger service today, Feb. 28.
New features
According to a Feb. 28 Facebook post by Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA), the NEL train is the first of 25 to have completed its scheduled mid-life upgrade.
The upgraded NEL train includes several newly refurbished features, such as train panels, flooring, handgrips, and grab poles.
Via Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving Facebook
Via Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving Facebook
Via Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving Facebook
According to SGTrains, more standing space with perch seats have also been installed as part of new interior fittings.
In addition, the train’s air-conditioning and ventilation system have been upgraded.
To provide real-time information on stations and doors opening-side indications on screens, a new Dynamic Route Map Displays (DRMD) has also been fitted to replace the previous static route-map stickers.
Via Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving Facebook
Upgrade of first generation Metropolis C751A trains
The mid-life upgrading works were conducted at SBS Transit’s Sengkang Depot, where all NEL trains are stabled and undergo maintenance after train services end.
The upgraded train was subsequently tested on the NEL line after train service hours to ensure that the train could communicate with signalling systems and station platform doors.
The first-generation Metropolis C751A trains, manufactured by French manufacturer Alstom, have serviced the NEL since 2003.
In 2019, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. began commencement of mid-life upgrading works for the NEL trains, facilitated by LTA and SBS Transit.
The refurbished trains come with a new condition monitoring system to ensure that trains are always in "tip-top" condition. This allows the train operator to monitor the health of the trains continuously and carry out predictive maintenance.
A Behind-The-Scenes of the NEL train upgrade process:
Top image via Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving Facebook