The first trainset for Singapore’s upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL) has arrived in the country, marking a key milestone in the development of the nation’s newest MRT line.According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), this is the first of 44 six-car trainsets that will eventually serve the fully underground line.The train was recently unloaded at Jurong Port, the standard facility used for receiving new MRT rolling stock in Singapore.

Earlier in April, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow was given a preview of the CR151 trains during a visit to the Qingdao rail depot in China, where the trains are manufactured.The trains are being supplied under a $589 million contract awarded in June 2023 to a consortium that includes CRCC Qingdao Sifang.The CR151 trains feature several modern design improvements aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.Each car includes five doors on each side to facilitate faster boarding and alighting, similar to the trains used on the Thomson-East Coast Line.They also incorporate wider gangways between cars, allowing smoother passenger flow throughout the train during peak hours.

In addition, the trains are equipped with advanced condition monitoring and diagnostic systems that can detect potential mechanical issues early, improving reliability and maintenance efficiency.The first trainset will undergo system integration testing at the Singapore Rail Test Centre before entering passenger service.

When fully operational in phases starting from 2030, the Cross Island Line will span more than 50 kilometers, making it Singapore’s longest fully underground MRT line.

It is designed to improve connectivity across the eastern, western, and north-eastern parts of the island, linking major developments such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and the Changi region.