Singapore Rail Test Centre

Singapore Rail Test Centre
The main entrance to the Singapore Rail Test Centre
The main entrance to the Singapore Rail Test Centre
Overview
Native nameMalay: Pusat Ujian Kereta Api Singapura[1]
Chinese: 新加坡铁路测试中心[2]
Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் ரயில் சோதனை நிலையம்[3]
LocaleTuas, Singapore
Transit typeRailway testing facility
Operation
Began operation2 November 2023; 17 months ago (2023-11-02) (partial completion)
28 March 2025; 15 days ago (2025-03-28) (full completion)
Technical
System length16.9 km (10.5 mi)
Map of the facility

The Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) is a railway testing facility in Tuas, Singapore. Located on the former site of the Raffles Country Club and opposite Tuas Depot, the 50 ha (120-acre) SRTC is used to test new rolling stock and rail systems for the Singapore MRT network. It incorporates several green building features in its design and operation.

The SRTC was first announced as the Integrated Train Testing Centre in April 2019, and construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on 17 March 2021. Originally expected to be completed in phases from 2022 to 2024, the opening of the first phase was delayed to November 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and full operations commenced in March 2025. The SRTC is the first such facility in Southeast Asia, featuring workshops, an operations control centre, an administration building and three different tracks for safety tests.

History

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Construction site of the Singapore Rail Test Centre in May 2022

The Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), initially named as the Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC), was first announced by transport minister Khaw Boon Wan on 24 April 2019. Hailing it as a "worthwhile investment" expected to cost a few hundred million dollars, Khaw said that the ITTC will allow "robust" testing of new railway systems without the need to close MRT lines. The facility was intended to allow officials to develop deeper expertise in railway operations and maintenance.[4][5][6]

The site was originally secured for the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail (HSR), and part of the HSR route would ran across the land from southwest to northeast. Part of the site would also be used for a depot for the Cross Island line. However, when the HSR project was cancelled, LTA CEO Chua Chong Kheng proposed using the site for a testing facility instead.[7] Contract 190 for the design and construction of the ITTC[8] was awarded to GS Engineering and Construction Corp on 17 April 2020 for S$639.5 million (US$468.8 million).[9][10][11] Construction of the ITTC began with a groundbreaking ceremony on 17 March 2021.[12][13][14]

The testing centre was constructed in two phases. The first phase, which includes the high-speed track, was planned to be completed by the end of 2022, allowing Circle line Stage 6 trains to be tested in 2023. The ITTC was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the construction of two additional test tracks and other facilities.[15] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheduled completion dates were pushed by one year to 2023 and 2025 respectively.[16][17] To enhance safety and efficiency in the construction, the contractor incoporated pre-cast concrete and utilised Building Information Modelling technology.[18]

On 1 November 2022, the rolling stock test and research facility for the ITTC were 50% completed, with trackwork for the high-speed test track nearly completed. The other facilities, including the operations control centre and the administration building, are expected to be completed in 2023.[19] The LTA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence to collaborate on developing train testing centres in Singapore and the United Kingdom.[20]

In 2023, the ITTC was renamed the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC).[21] The first phase of the SRTC was completed and opened on 2 November of that year.[22][23][24] The testing and commissioning of the new CCL trains began at the facility in November 2023.[25] Full operations of the facility commenced on 28 March 2025.[26]

Design

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Spanning 54 hectares (130 acres),[18][27] the SRTC is constructed on the former site of the Raffles Country Club in Tuas, which was originally acquired for the planned Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail.[4][12] The SRTC allows integrated systems testing for different trains and rail systems simultaneously, avoiding the need to conduct tests on operational lines.[28] The testing facility was designed by the Korea Railroad Research Institute,[11][29] with architectural design by Ong&Ong and mechanical and electrical engineering design by Arup.[30] A three-level building houses the operations control centre, offices and a rolling stock workshop.[9][25] The workshop allows mid-life refurbishment of trains.[26]

The SRTC has 16.9 kilometres (10.5 miles) of track, which is compatible with various types of signalling systems and is powered by both 750V direct-current third rail and 25kV alternate current overhead catenary.[15][19] The SRTC will be linked with the East-West Line via a viaduct in 2029.[26] The tracks include:[9]

  • A looped 3 km (1.9-mile) endurance track with a 3% maximum gradient for performance testing.[15][19] Part of the track is elevated and runs over Tengah Reservoir.[31] This ensures that the train's systems remain reliable and durable after reaching a set mileage.[25]
  • A looped 2.8 km (1.7-mile) S-curved track for performance and integration testing, assessing the train dynamics and its ability to navigate bends.[15][31]
  • A 2.8 km (1.7-mile) straight high-speed track with minimal curvature and gradient that enables speed testing of up to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph).[15][31]
  • Stabling and maintenance tracks for any major refurbishment of existing trains.[9]

The SRTC is the first such facility in Southeast Asia.[4][32] The facility was awarded the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum certification for its incorporation of energy-efficient features such as smart lighting control, solar panels and a centralised cooling system.[25] The facility includes bicycle parking facilities and sheltered linkways between various buildings to promote walking and cycling within the facility.[15] As a shared testing and maintenance centre, the SRTC also aims for LTA engineers to collaborate with train operators and equipment manufacturers to improve rail capabilities in Singapore.[28]

References

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  1. ^ "Pusat ujian rel $800j dibuka di Tuas, Berita Singapura". Berita Harian (in Malay). 28 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  2. ^ "新加坡铁路测试中心全面启用 新柔地铁列车料在此测试". 联合早报 (in Chinese). 28 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  3. ^ "$800 மில்லியன் செலவில் ரயில் சோதனை நிலையம் திறப்பு , சிங்க‌ப்பூர் செய்திகள்". Tamil Murasu (in Tamil). 28 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Tan, Christopher (24 April 2019). "New rail facility in Tuas aims to reduce MRT line testing closures". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  5. ^ "Speech by Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the visit to SMRTs New North-South and East-West Line NSEWL Operations Control Centre OCC at Kim Chuan Depot". Ministry of Transport (MOT). 24 April 2019. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  6. ^ "News Room – News Releases – New Integrated Train Testing Centre for Greater Rail Reliability". Land Transport Authority (LTA). 24 April 2019. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  7. ^ "A new frontier for railway testing in Singapore". International Railway Journal. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Contract 190 – Land Transport Authority – Schedule of Tenders Received" (PDF). LTA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d "LTA Awards Civil Contract to Construct Integrated Train Testing Centre". LTA. 17 April 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  10. ^ Tan, Christopher (17 April 2020). "South Korean firm to build first MRT testing centre for $640m". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  11. ^ a b "GS E&C inks deal to build ITTC in Singapore by 2024". The Korea Times. 21 April 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  12. ^ a b Yufeng, Kok (18 March 2021). "S'pore begins construction on $640m three-track train testing centre in Tuas". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  13. ^ Co, Cindy (17 March 2021). "MRT train testing facility to be fully operational by 2024". CNA. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  14. ^ "Speech by Minister for Transport Mr Ong Ye Kung at Groundbreaking of the Integrated Train Testing Centre". MOT. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  15. ^ a b c d e f "News Room – News Releases – Factsheet: Singapore's Integrated Train Testing Centre to be Fully Operational in 2024". LTA. 17 March 2021. Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  16. ^ "Deepening Capabilities for Developing and Operating Train Testing Centres". LTA. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 4 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  17. ^ "$640m train testing centre delayed by a year, first phase to open in 2023". The Straits Times. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 4 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  18. ^ a b Cho, Yong-Jun (1 April 2025). "GS E&C opens railway test center in Singapore". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  19. ^ a b c Smith, Kevin (1 November 2022). "Singapore's Integrated Train Testing Centre makes progress". International Railway Journal. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  20. ^ "Deepening Capabilities for Developing and Operating Train Testing Centres". LTA. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 16 January 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  21. ^ LTA Annual Report 2022/23 (PDF). Land Transport Authority. p. 19.
  22. ^ "Completion of First Phase of the Singapore Rail Test Centre". LTA. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  23. ^ Kok, Yufeng (2 November 2023). "High-speed MRT test track at $640m facility completed amid 'unprecedented' rail expansion". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  24. ^ "Speech by Acting Minister For Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat on the Completion of the First Phase of the Singapore Rail Test Centre". Ministry of Transport (MOT). 2 November 2023. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  25. ^ a b c d "Singapore Rail Test Centre Opens for Operations". LTA. 28 March 2025. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  26. ^ a b c Loi, Esther (28 March 2025). "$800m Rail Test Centre Opens, Allows Trains and Rail Systems to Be Tested in Singapore". The Straits Times. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  27. ^ "Singapore Rail Test Centre". GS E&C Australia. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  28. ^ a b "5 reasons the SRTC is breaking barriers to rail reliability". LTA. 24 November 2023. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  29. ^ "상세 > 보도자료 > 뉴스·행사 > KRRI소식 >한국철도기술연구원". 한국철도기술연구원 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 21 March 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  30. ^ Smith, Kevin (31 March 2025). "Singapore opens new metro test centre". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  31. ^ a b c Ong, Justin (Guang-Xi) (28 March 2025). "Singapore Rail Test Centre Officially Opens, Aims to Bolster Rail Reliability". CNA. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  32. ^ "Speech by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr. Amy Khor at the Opening of Singapore Rail Test Centre". Ministry of Transport (MOT). 28 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.


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