| Alstom Metropolis C851E (CCL) | |
 |
|
| In service | Apr 2026 – Present |
| Manufacturer | Alstom |
| Constructed | Barcelona, Spain |
| Number built | 69 Vehicles (23 trainsets) |
| Formation | 3 cars per trainset Mc1–Tc–Mc2 |
| Fleet number | PV65 – 87 (865 – 887) |
| Operators | SMRT Trains |
| Depot(s) | Kim Chuan |
| Line(s) served | Circle Line |
| Technical Data | |
| Car body | TBA |
| Doors | 8 per car |
| Electrification | 750 V DC third rail |
| Track gauge | Standard Gauge (1435mm) |
Alstom Metropolis C851E trains are electric multiple unit trains operating on the Circle Line (CCL). These third-generation trains were procured to increase capacity on the CCL ahead of the opening of the Circle Line Stage 6 between HarbourFront and Marina Bay.
23 trainsets comprising three cars each were procured, and trains were manufactured by Alstom in Barcelona, Spain. Deliveries commenced in March 2022, and passenger service commenced on 13 April 2026.
Background
Main Article: Alstom Metropolis – Contract 851E trains | Land Transport Guru
Contract 851E was initially offered solely for 11 Circle Line trains in March 2017. When the contract award was announced April 2018, an additional 6 more North East Line trains were added under modified contract terms, and awarded to Alstom Transport in April 2018 as the sole bidder for around ~S$250 million.
In July 2019, LTA announced that it added 12 more CCL trains to the order, for a combined total of 23 CCL trains.
| Train | Line | Quantity | Formation | Electrification | Signalling |
| Alstom Metropolis C851E (NEL) | North East Line | 6 trains (36 cars) | DT–Mp–Mi–Mi–Mp–DT | 1500 V DC overhead catenary | Alstom Urbalis 300 CBTC |
| Alstom Metropolis C851E (CCL) | Circle Line | 23 trains (69 cars) | Mc1–Tc–Mc2 | 750 V DC third rail | Alstom Urbalis 300 CBTC |
For the Circle Line, the 23 new trains will supplement the existing Alstom Metropolis C830 and Alstom Metropolis C830C trains when the 4.3km-long Circle Line Stage 6 from HarbourFront to Marina Bay opens in 2026. Each 3-car train (Formation: Mc1–Tc–Mc2) comprises two Motor Cars (Mc1 and Mc2) at each end, and an unpowered Trailer Car (Tc) in the middle.
The trains are manufactured and assembled in Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Santa Perpetua de Mogoda (near Barcelona, Spain), and progressively shipped to Singapore from 2022. Thereafter, trains would undergo testing and commissioning before they are put into service when the extensions open.
With the new trains, the existing NEL fleet was expanded by 14% from 43 to 49 trains, and the existing CCL fleet increased by 36% from 64 to 87 trains (inclusive of subsequent orders for additional CCL C851E trains). While being awarded under the same contract, trains built for the NEL and CCL differ in technical specifications owing to the different electrification used on both lines.
Features
To enable a more robust maintenance regime, all the new trains are equipped with condition monitoring systems to gather data from the equipment on the trains. This enables continuous monitoring of the health of the equipment and allows the operator to carry out predictive maintenance for the trains. Current collector shoe sensors on the new CCL trains enable the operator to react promptly and take necessary measures if any dislodgement is detected.
In addition, two of the new CCL three-car trains are each fitted with an Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) System, which enables monitoring of the running rails, track equipment and sleepers while the trains are in operation. The ATI System supplements existing track inspection activities for timely and more effective identification of rail and trackside components which require maintenance.
Passenger service commenced on 13 April 2026.
Interior
Delivery
Main Article: 3rd Gen Circle Line C851E trains arrive in Singapore!
The first train was delivered to Kim Chuan Depot on 11 March 2022.
Testing
Phase 1 of the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) was completed on 2 November 2023, where the first two C851E (CCL) trains underwent testing and commissioning works.
Train Formation
A C851E (CCL) trainset consists of two powered Motor Cars (Mc1 and Mc2) at each end, with an unpowered Trailer Car (Tc) positioned between them. The formation of a C851E (CCL) trainset is therefore arranged as Mc1–Tc–Mc2. A total of 23 C851E (CCL) trainsets, comprising 69 cars altogether, operate on the Circle Line.
Each trainset is assigned a Passenger Vehicle (PV) number for the Circle Line, with the C851E fleet designated from PV65 to PV87.
Individual cars are identified using a five-digit numbering system ranging from 8065x to 8087x, where the final digit indicates the car type within the trainset:
1 – Motor Car 1 (Mc1)
2 – Trailer Car (Tc)
3 – Motor Car 2 (Mc2)
For example, trainset PV65 consists of cars 80651–80652–80653. Depending on the direction of travel, the order of the cars may appear reversed.
Among local rail enthusiasts, trainsets are also commonly referred to by the first, second and third digits of their car numbers, such as Set 865, 866 and so on up to Set 887.
External Links & References
- Alstom to supply 17 additional Metropolis trains for Singapore Circle Line and North East Line – Alstom
- Alstom to Supply 17 New Trains for North East Line Extension and Circle Line 6 – LTA
- Joint News Release: Upgrading the Circle Line in Preparation for Circle Line 6 – SMRT
- Price Schedule for Contract 851E – LTA (PDF)
- Completion of First Phase of the Singapore Rail Test Centre – Land Transport Authority
Back to Rolling Stock
Back to Trains
The Circle Line C851E’s colouring configuration is as follows
Orange for carriages ending with 1
Yellow for carriages ending with 2
Yellowish-lime green for carriages ending with 3, just like the C801A
Good news for Circle Line commuters! The wait is almost over. LTA has announced that the new 🟠 C851E Circle Line trains will officially entering passenger service on 13 April 2026. According to the LTA, these orange-themed 🟠 trains will help enhance the daily travel experience for residents along the line.