Renewal of Bukit Panjang LRT Nears Completion, Enhancing Reliability

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that approximately 88 percent of the renewal works on the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) system have been completed as of November 16, 2023. This significant progress is part of a larger effort that began in 2018 and is slated for completion by the last quarter of 2026. The upgrades are expected to enhance rail reliability, providing smoother rides for commuters who have faced long-standing issues since the line’s inception in 1999.

The renewal works aim to address the reliability concerns that have plagued the BPLRT, which has faced disruptions, including two notable incidents in July 2023. A key component of the upgrade involves replacing and enhancing the power rail system that has been in operation since the line’s launch. “The works are not just about replacing parts; they also include improving the design of components and modularized parts,” LTA officials stated, emphasizing that these advancements facilitate smoother transitions for light rail vehicles between power rails and simplify maintenance.

Power Rail Replacement Process Underway

Recently, the media was invited to observe the replacement of power rails at Bangkit LRT station. The operation commenced around 1 a.m. on a Saturday, following safety briefings conducted earlier that evening. Workers transported tools and materials to the platform, manually carrying equipment up the stairs for the task ahead. According to LTA, the power rail extends 17 kilometers across the BPLRT network, and segments are replaced nightly, with approximately 45 meters replaced each session.

The power rail consists of five aluminium rods placed in parallel, working together to provide the necessary electricity for the trains. At around 2 a.m., reporters were able to walk along the elevated tracks toward Fajar station, witnessing the team of 49 workers as they removed old power rails and assembled new segments, each roughly 9 meters in length. The team operated under a tight two-and-a-half-hour window to complete their work before the line reopened for revenue service at 5 a.m..

LTA noted that the replacement process utilized a stud welding method, which is faster and quieter than traditional thermal welding. The workers successfully replaced 45 meters of power rails during this operation, ensuring that all components would undergo thorough testing after installation. Safety remained a priority, with measures in place to halt operations in case of lightning risks or adverse weather conditions.

Significant Upgrades and Future Plans

In addition to the power rail enhancements, LTA announced the successful completion of a major upgrade to the train signalling system. The new system, known as Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), has been operational since November 8, 2025. This upgrade represents a significant undertaking, involving extensive testing to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Furthermore, LTA has recently refreshed the train fleet, deploying 19 new light rail vehicles (LRVs) and upgrading all 13 second-generation LRVs to ensure compatibility with the new signalling system. The Operations Control Centre (OCC), which serves as the nerve centre of the BPLRT system, is also undergoing renovations to improve coordination and monitoring capabilities.

The BPLRT, Singapore’s first light rail line, has faced technical challenges since its opening. Former Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan once referred to the line as an “afterthought,” acknowledging the issues stemming from its construction under political pressure. In 2024, then-Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat recognized the renewal works as a necessary journey to rectify these “legacy problems” and enhance service for commuters. Initially set for completion in 2024, the timeline was extended to 2026 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as stated by then-Transport Minister S Iswaran.

As the renewal works continue, the LTA remains committed to addressing the concerns of commuters and ensuring that the BPLRT operates efficiently and reliably in the future.