Singapore inaugurates its first high-speed testing track to improve rail system reliability and efficiency.
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), located in Tuas, has officially unveiled its first-phase high-speed testing track, which enables MRT trains to be tested at speeds of up to 100km/h. This $640 million facility, a first in South-east Asia, is expected to enhance the country’s ability to test new trains and systems efficiently, supporting its ongoing rail network expansion.
The 3km testing track is a significant addition to Singapore’s rail infrastructure, designed to alleviate the pressure of limited testing hours on the active MRT lines. Previously, engineering work could only be conducted from 1am to 4am, when train services stop. The new facility will allow for round-the-clock testing, freeing up valuable overnight hours for maintenance work, thereby improving the overall reliability of the rail system.
Currently, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is already putting new trains for the upcoming Stage 6 of the Circle Line through high-speed tests ahead of their deployment in 2026. The SRTC’s completion marks a critical milestone for Singapore’s efforts to manage the expansion of its MRT network, which includes new lines like the Thomson-East Coast Line and Jurong Region Line.
The project, originally slated for completion in 2024, faced delays due to the pandemic but is now 85% complete. The second phase of the facility’s construction will include additional test tracks, an operations control centre, and workshops for maintenance and refurbishment.
The SRTC will not only streamline testing for Singapore’s own rail systems but also serve as a potential regional hub for rail testing in neighbouring countries, improving the capabilities of local rail workers and helping test new technologies for a more efficient and sustainable rail network.
