Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has inaugurated its Tuas rail test centre (SRTC), which occupies a site of approximately 50 hectares.
Fully equipped to conduct rigorous testing and commissioning of trains and core railways systems, the SRTC will support testing requirements for the existing rail network and for the future lines.
The centre has three tracks totalling 8.6 km designed to accommodate various signalling and communication systems used across the MRT network. The high speed test track is also equipped with both third-rail and overhead conductor rail power systems to allow for testing of trains and systems from different MRT lines.
A 2.8-km high-speed test track is designed with minimal curvature and gradients to allow trains to reach and maintain maximum speeds of up to 100km/h for traction and brake testing. LTA has tested and commissioned new Circle Line (CCL) trains since November 2023, when this first phase has been completed.
In the second phase LTA built two tracks, of which 2.8 km of performance and integration test track with a branched S-track for integrated train testing. The other track is a 3-km endurance looped test track with a section of uphill gradient for Train Mileage Accumulation Tests, to verify the reliability and durability of the train’s systems after running for a specific mileage.
The Tuas rail test centre also includes a three-storey building housing an Operations Control Centre, administration offices, workshops, and inspection and maintenance areas to support mid-life upgrading works for trains.
The facility will play a key role in ongoing efforts to enhance rail reliability as LTA continues to expand and renew its rail network. With the completion of SRTC, testing of trains will no longer rely on overseas facilities or occupy limited engineering hours on its operational rail network. The SRTC will allow for comprehensive testing of various railway systems, including signalling, communications, power, and integrated supervisory control systems, before they are implemented on the main lines. By enabling round-the-clock testing in a controlled environment without disrupting passenger services or maintenance on operational lines, the SRTC will support LTA’s efforts to strengthen rail reliability.
Beyond train testing, the SRTC will also serve as a hub for research and innovation. It will support the development of new technologies for the rail industry by providing facilities for LTA, rail operators, and rail original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to test new technologies and systems. Such facilities and partnerships will also create opportunities to deepen operational and maintenance capabilities among our local rail workforce.
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