POWER SUPPLY RENEWAL

Meanwhile, the NSEWL’s new power supply system has enhanced features for real-time monitoring, which improves fault detection and prediction, LTA said.

It will, for example, constantly monitor the insulation of traction cables, enabling the operator to assess their condition and take “appropriate pre-emptive interventions” where necessary.

The power supply renewal works, which began in 2018, “encompassed the replacement of 1,300km of power cables, 250km of fibre-optic cables, and hundreds of power transformers and switchboards”, said Acting Minister Chee Hong Tat at the completion ceremony on Wednesday.

“The total length of all the power cables is equivalent to almost six times the length of Singapore’s coastline.” 

All NSEWL stations have also replaced the 64P touch voltage protection systems with new Voltage Limiting Devices to “isolate power faults and prevent line-wide disruptions”, added LTA.

NEW TRAIN FLEETS

LTA in 2018 ordered the production and delivery of 66 trains to progressively replace the first-generation NSEWL trains.

Another 40 new trains were purchased in 2020 to replace second- and third-generation trains. These new trains were equipped with sensors to monitor the performance of various train subsystems and track conditions, enabling early fault detection. 

In total, 26 new trains have arrived in Singapore. Seven are in passenger service, while the remaining 19 are undergoing testing and commissioning. 

The rest of the trains will arrive in Singapore and be put progressively into service from now until 2026.