CR151 - Contract awarded for 44 electric trains

 

Render of the CR151 train awarded to CRRC Qingdao Sifang.
Source: LTA

Today, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced the award of contract CR151 for 44 train sets to CRRC Qingdao Sifang. The contract also includes an option to purchase 11 further train sets. Initially formed of 6 carriages, the trains can be further lengthened to 8 carriages in the future. Here are some of the features unique to the Cross Island Line (CRL) trains:

• Starting capacity with 6-cars per train set
• Future scalability to 8-cars per train set
• Powered via an overhead catenary rail (OCR) - essentially a third rail but affixed to the tunnel roof and capable of transmitting higher voltage
• Wider carriage-to-carriage gangways than available on currently existing trains at 1.6m instead of 1.4m

We had previously posted an image from a presentation showing the large diameter single bored tunnel which showed the inclusion of OCR support equipment within the tunnel. In addition, early renders of the Changi East depot also showed the presence of OCR masts within the depot area.

Presentation showing the cross section of a large diameter bored tunnel. Supports for the OCR
are visible at the tunnel walls.

Render of Changi East depot, where the OCR support masts are visible as the tracks curve around
the building.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia

More recently, one of our Instagram users had submitted some pictures from the Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC) at Tuas showing installed portions of the OCR there. The ITTC is being built to speed up testing, commissioning & overhaul of future rolling stock (trains) on the MRT lines. The first phase is expected to be ready at the end of this year and the facility will be built to cater for multiple types of trains with different power systems, including third rail and OCR. As such, it is expected that the CRL trains will also be received at the ITTC to undergo testing prior to deployment on the line.

7 June 2023 - OCR being fitted at the ITTC.
Image by @linhsu88

7 June 2023 - Another view of the OCR.
Image by @linhsu88.

7 June 2023 - The OCR installed at the ITTC.
Image by @linhsu88.

13 June 2023 - Another view of the OCR installation works at the ITTC.
Image by @linhsu88.

Overall, the announcement of the award of contract for the 44 trains is a major milestone in the construction and realisation of the CRL. We look forward to more milestones being achieved and hope you'll continue to follow along as we bring you progress updates in time to come.

This post will be available on Instagram & Facebook on 16 June 2023.