Gov't to complete first-gen train replacements by end-2026

These trains have a total service life of 38 years.

The government will replace all first-generation trains before they reach their 38-year service mark, aiming to complete the process by the end of 2026.

A first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) train caused severe disruption on the East-West Line.

In his speech at the Parliament, Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat said KHI trains, assessed in 2012, have a total service life of 38 years.

Chee, however, underscored that the reliability of a train depends on several factors and not only on its age alone.

"Trains that remain reliable can continue to be used if they have not exceeded their service life," Chee added.

In 2018 and 2020, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) already purchased 106 new R151 trains to replace the North-South and East-West Lines’ earliest generations of trains, including the KHI fleet.

COVIF, however, deleted the delivery of its trains.

"The first batch of three trains was handed over to SMRT and put into service in June 2023. Since then, LTA has been progressively handing over new R151 trains to SMRT, at a rate of about two trains per month"

"34 R151 trains have been handed over to SMRT so far. The plan is to replace all the KHI trains with the new R151 trains by end-2026 before they reach their 38-year service mark," Chee said.