New Cross Island Line trains: 3 key features

These include:

1. Five doors on each side

Like on the Thomson-East Coast Line, each train car on the CRL will have five doors on each side, unlike most train cars on existing lines, which have four doors on each side.

The additional doors will allow commuters to board and alight more quickly.

The new CRL trains will also be fitted with micro sliding plug doors, which help shore up noise insulation.

2. Greater energy efficiency

The new trains will use a 1,500 volt direct-current overhead conductor rail system, which is more energy efficient than a typical 750 volt direct-current third rail system.

Only the North East Line employs an overhead system. The other lines use a third rail, which means the trains derive power from the train tracks.

LTA said an overhead system suits the demands of a long, high-capacity underground line like the CRL. When completed, the CRL will be Singapore’s longest fully underground MRT line.

3. Automated systems and smart monitoring

To enable a fully automated and driverless operation, the trains will use a communications-based train control signalling system.

The system allows trains to exchange real-time location and speed data with trackside systems that monitor train locations, calculate safe distances, and signal them to speed up or slow down.

Built into the CRL trains are monitoring and diagnostic systems that can detect any equipment fault early. These will also include new axle box and gearbox monitoring.

Some of the trains will also be equipped with an automated track inspection system, which enables them to monitor the conditions of the running rail and the overhead conductor rail in real time.