Singapore, 25 July 2019

Joint News Release: Upgrading the Circle Line in Preparation for Circle Line 6

To prepare for the opening of Circle Line Stage 6 (CCL6) in 2025, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT have embarked on a series of system enhancements to the existing Circle Line (CCL). The enhancements will allow the decade-old CCL to support a larger CCL network and train fleet when the three new CCL6 stations start operating in 2025. The upgrades include:

a) Signalling system – This is to monitor and support the larger number of CCL trains;

b) Power supply system – This will help to improve system availability and resiliency. For example, the installation of an additional hardware component called the Load Break Switch at substations will help to maintain continuity of traction power in the event of a partial power outage;

c) Hardware and software of the communications system and the integrated supervisory control system (ISCS) to allow more seamless real-time communications between the stations and the Operations Control Centre. This will strengthen SMRT’s control and oversight of the entire CCL railway system.

2  Said Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Chief Executive, LTA, “In addition to the civil works for CCL6, we have started works to upgrade the key systems for the CCL to ensure that the existing and new systems work seamlessly. As we are working on a live railway system, we will work closely with SMRT to put mitigating measures in place to ensure daily operations will not be impacted. With the completion of the upgrading works, we can look forward to the smooth integration of the existing CCL system with the three new CCL6 stations when they are ready.”

3  Mr Neo Kian Hong, SMRT Corporation Group Chief Executive Officer said, “With the network reaching the 10-year mark, it is essential that we start the renewal process early and apply the lessons learnt from the renewal of the North-South and East-West Lines network to improve rail reliability. We are happy to work closely with LTA to ensure that upgrading works for the Circle Line are carried out safely, smoothly and seamlessly, so that commuters can continue to enjoy safe and comfortable journeys.”

4  LTA is also purchasing 12 new trains from Alstom to cater for the expected increase in passengers when the CCL is fully operational. These trains will be delivered progressively from 2024, and are in addition to the 11 trains that were procured in April 2018 for CCL6. When these 23 trains are delivered, the total CCL fleet size will increase by 36% to 87.

CCL6 Construction on track

5  Construction of the three CCL6 stations – Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road stations – as well as the expansion of Kim Chuan Depot commenced in 2017. Works are progressing smoothly and are expected to be completed by 2025.

6  Tunnelling works for CCL6 commenced today with the launch of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at Keppel Station. This TBM will tunnel from Keppel Station to CCL HarbourFront Station. Two other TBMs are expected to be launched in September and October this year. Currently, 66% of earth retaining and stabilising structure works have been completed. Excavation works and construction of structures have also commenced and are progressing well. Foundation and excavation works are also in progress at Kim Chuan Depot Extension.

7  When CCL6 opens in 2025, CCL will have a total of 33 stations with 12 interchanges to connect to all existing MRT lines and the future Thomson-East Coast Line. The stations will also close the loop for the CCL by connecting HarbourFront Station to Marina Bay Station. The expanded integrated Kim Chuan Depot will provide additional stabling facilities to support the larger CCL network and train fleet of 133 trains, and the above ground bus depot will house 550 buses.