SINGAPORE, 6 NOVEMBER 2024 – SMRT today inked two agreements – a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in the area of digitalisation, advanced automation and robotics, along with a proof of concept (POC) contract to trial the latest reliability-centred capabilities on a C151B train – with CRRC Sifang, at the 5th LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) 2024.

Under the POC, SMRT and CRRC Sifang will explore retrofitting the fifth-generation train that runs along the North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL), with a Condition Monitoring (CM) system to support predictive maintenance activities. This will be further augmented with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technologies to keep close tabs on the train’s structural integrity. By identifying micro changes in the stresses and strains that a train undergoes, SHM can help engineers sharpen maintenance focus and zoom into train parts that require greater attention.

Along with those, the Train Information and Management Systems (TIMS) will be levelled up to provide more detailed and accurate information on the health status of critical train systems. Together, they contribute to SMRT’s ongoing and proactive efforts in finding solutions to detect and rectify potential issues related to the trains early, minimising service disruptions.

For enhanced commuter comfort and environmental sustainability, the air conditioning system within the C151B train will also be upgraded to have enhanced cooling capacity and eco-friendly technologies. SMRT and CRRC Sifang will also look into future-proofing the propulsion and auxiliary power supply by replacing obsolete parts and increasing power capacity. From the point of signing till mid-2026, the POC will be carried out on one of the 45 C151B trains.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, said, “The signing of today’s agreement with CRRC Sifang, a partner aligned in vision, highlights our shared commitment to optimising maintenance outcomes and enhancing the commuter experience through innovation. We look forward to the success of these projects, combining CRRC Sifang’s strong expertise as an established train manufacturer with our own experience and capabilities in rail operations and maintenance. As we embark on this transformative journey, our goal is clear – to enhance the reliability of our rail network for the benefit of the commuters we serve.

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Annex - Speech by SMRT Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming