The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has awarded Alstom a major contract to convert several East West Line (EWL) stations to the Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, in preparation for their integration into the Thomson-East Coast Line extension (TELe) to Changi Airport.
The contract covers the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of signalling and related systems for Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport stations, as well as the new line extension to the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5.
Alstom, acting as the signalling consortium leader, will deliver its Urbalis CBTC system — the same solution deployed on earlier stages of the TEL. Consortium partner ST Engineering Urban Solutions Ltd. will provide the Data Communication System (DCS) and Platform Screen Doors (PSD).
Supporting seamless airport connectivity
The TELe project forms part of Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan 2040 (LTMP 2040), which aims to offer seamless, sustainable, and inclusive mobility. Once complete, the extension will provide a direct, high-speed link between Changi Airport and the city centre, enhancing travel for both commuters and international travellers.
The full 57-kilometre TEL will connect Tanah Merah with destinations such as Gardens by the Bay, Maxwell, Orchard, and Woodlands North, where it will link with the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS).
The extension is expected to reduce travel time between Changi Airport and Marina Bay from 55 to 45 minutes, while the journey to Gardens by the Bay will be shortened from around 60 minutes to 40 minutes.
Focus on reliability and capacity
The Urbalis system will enable driverless, high-capacity train operations, helping to future-proof the network and support growing passenger numbers. The upgrade will also enhance system resilience and reliability on this important corridor.
Alstom has a longstanding role in Singapore’s rail sector, having delivered multiple generations of rolling stock and signalling solutions across the network.
“Alstom is proud to have supported Singapore’s rail development for over two decades, delivering cutting-edge rolling stock and signalling systems that have shaped the nation’s urban mobility.
This latest award reflects our leadership in advanced, driverless train control systems. We are honoured to contribute to the LTMP 2040 vision by enabling seamless, efficient and sustainable journeys between city and Changi Airport through TEL’s extension,” Yann Maixandeau, Managing Director, Singapore & Malaysia, Alstom, said.
This contract follows the successful completion of TEL Stage 4, which entered service in June 2024, and further strengthens Alstom’s position as a key player in Singapore’s transport infrastructure.
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