Progress and Sustainability of Renewal Works on North East MRT Line

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether an update can be provided on the outcome or progress of MRT renewal works for the North East Line (NEL) that are scheduled from 2019 to 2024; (b) how will the renewal works enhance the NEL; and (c) how long will the renewal works further sustain the NEL in the coming years before further renewal works may be required.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Singapore Bus Services Transit (SBST) started on a major renewal project for the North East Line (NEL) in 2019, to refurbish its 25 first-generation trains, as well as to upgrade key components in the track, power, signalling and platform screen door (PSD) systems. Works were originally scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.

LTA and SBST completed the planned upgrading works for the track, power, signalling and PSD systems in 2021. As the Ministry of Transport (MOT) had explained to the Member in 2022 via a reply to his Parliamentary Question, the train refurbishment programme was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Please refer to "Status of Renewal and Enhancement Work Scheduled for North East Line", Official Report, 4 April 2022, Vol 95, Issue 60, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]

As of January 2025, 16 of the 25 first-generation trains have undergone refurbishment and have been put into passenger service. As stated on the MOT and LTA's websites, the remaining nine trains will be progressively put into service by the first quarter of 2026, after they have been refurbished.

These upgrades aim to provide our commuters with smoother and more reliable journeys. As part of renewal works, electrical and mechanical components in the track, power, signalling and PSD systems have been replaced. The first-generation trains are being refreshed with updated interior fittings, such as seats, panels and flooring, as well as upgraded air-conditioning, ventilation and passenger information systems. Condition monitoring systems will also be installed on the trains to better monitor train performance and improve maintenance planning.