Transport

MRT Tracks Run Over Tengeh Reservoir At Tuas Centre, Will Support Train Testing 24/7 For Smoother Rides

Tuas Integrated Train Testing Centre Will Have MRT Tracks Running Over Tengeh Reservoir

As MRTs are often exposed to constant wear and tear, there is an increasing need to test and maintain trains to ensure they are working optimally.

However, it’s not easy to conduct testing and maintenance as it can only be done outside of operational hours.

Things are set to change with the upcoming Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC) at Tuas, which is poised to enhance Singapore’s train maintenance and testing capabilities.

Source

One of the attractive features of the testing centre is that part of the MRT tracks run over a reservoir — the first of its kind in Singapore.

Construction had started last Wednesday (17 Mar), and the centre is set to be fully operational by 2024.

480m of MRT tracks at Tuas testing centre run over reservoir

According to Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post, the upcoming ITTC will have a 17km train track — almost equal to that of the North East line.

And 480m of the tracks will be built over Tengeh Reservoir to minimise land use.

Source

Throughout construction, a silt barrier will be installed to prevent contamination of the reservoir. Water quality will also be closely monitored.

 

Testing will be conducted 24/7 without disrupting passenger services

Located at the former Raffles Country Club site, the testing centre will cover a land size of 50ha, i.e. the size of 70 football fields.

Source

It’s a $639.5 million project that would allow for the testing of different trains and rail systems simultaneously to strengthen our MRT system, reported The Straits Times (ST).

According to Minister Ong, it can even test trains up to 100km/h. These tests can also be conducted 24/7 without disrupting commuters, which will greatly expand Singapore’s testing capacity.

This is a huge step-up from the current system where testing can only be done at depots and on the main line when trains are not operating.

The ITTC is set to be ready as early as 2023 and fully operational by 2024.

Sustainability is a priority

According to TODAY Online, ITTC will have a one-stop workshop ideal for mid-life train upgrades and testing trains prior to deployment.

This will speed up diagnosis and rectification of train faults, as well as the testing of new trains that previously had to be done overseas.

Construction of the centre will have environmental sustainability as a priority, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

Minister Ong also explained that over 50% of the energy used at the centre will be generated by solar panels. There are plans to potentially increase this to 100%.

Besides that, LED lights and a centralised chiller system will also be used in a bid to conserve energy.

Looking forward to enhanced maintenance of our MRT system

Singapore’s railway network is often touted as one of the best in the world. With this latest development, it’s good to see that the government is constantly looking for ways to improve the current system.

Hopefully, we can look forward to this new facility bringing more reliable and safe MRT rides for commuters.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.

Sabrina Seng

Sabrina is always facing some form of existential crisis but other than that, she's pretty chill.

Recent Posts

Customer served paper-thin salmon in S$8 set from food court in Suntec City

The salmon had become too thin because it "exercised too much", a netizen joked.

24 Dec 2024, 4:01 am

‘Black Monday for MRT Circle Line’: Commuter complains of large crowds at HarbourFront

A disruption occurred on the Circle Line about four hours later on the same day.

24 Dec 2024, 2:30 am

S’porean man killed by gas explosion in Italy was brother of food critic KF Seetoh

Mr Seetoh Kwok Meng was the "most jovial" among his siblings, said Mr KF Seetoh.

24 Dec 2024, 1:05 am

Food delivery rider allegedly stabbed in Marsiling, 21-year-old man arrested

The customer wanted to pay in cash only and rejected the rider's request to transfer…

24 Dec 2024, 12:15 am

Underage teen in S’pore buries stillborn in house yard, police digs up bones during investigation

The coroner said this was the first case of its kind he had encountered in…

23 Dec 2024, 7:05 pm

M’sia Airlines grounds new Airbus just days after maiden flight, cites technical issues

The brand-new jet suffered a series of technical issues since its first-ever flight on 19…

23 Dec 2024, 6:17 pm