This article was originally titled: 3rd Gen Circle Line C851E trains arrive in Singapore
The third-generation Circle Line (CCL) trains have arrived in Singapore!
These new trains are Alstom Metropolis C851E (CCL) trains, and 23 of these trains were procured to boost capacity on the CCL, in preparation for the opening of the Circle Line Stage 6 (CCL6). The 4km extension of the CCL comprises three new stations between HarbourFront and Marina Bay, with an expected completion date of 2026.
Trains are delivered to Singapore by sea, and then transported from Pasir Panjang Terminal to Kim Chuan Depot by road.
These trains are manufactured and assembled in Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Barcelona, Spain and progressively shipped to Singapore. An initial delivery date of 2021 was expected for these trains, but this has since been delayed to 2022. After delivery, trains would undergo testing and commissioning before they are put into service.
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.
When all C851E trains are rolled out, the CCL fleet will increase from 64 to 87 trains.
| Train | Quantity | Entered Service | Manufacturer | Built at |
| Alstom Metropolis C830 | 40 | May 2009 | Alstom | Valenciennes, France |
| Alstom Metropolis C830C | 24 | June 2015 | Shanghai Alstom Transport | Shanghai, China |
| Alstom Metropolis C851E (CCL) | 23 | TBA | Alstom | Barcelona, Spain |
All the new trains are equipped with condition monitoring systems to gather data from train borne equipment. 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 enables the operator to react promptly and take necessary measures if any dislodgement is detected.
Background to C851E trains
Contract 851E was initially offered solely for 11 Circle Line trains in March 2017. 6 more North East Line (NEL) trains were added under modified contract terms and awarded to Alstom Transport in April 2018 as the sole bidder. In July 2019, a further 12 more CCL trains were added to the order, for a total of 23 CCL trains.
Earlier in 2021, the C851E (NEL) trains were delivered to Sengkang Depot, bearing a purple livery.
While being awarded under the same contract, C851E trains built for the NEL and CCL differ in technical specifications, owing to different electrification used on both lines.
| 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 |
Commissioning at ITTC
Back in April 2020, it was announced that the first phase of the Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC) at Tuas would be completed in Q4 2022. This accelerated first phase opening was intended to facilitate the testing of Alstom Metropolis C851E (CCL) trains.
With this facility still under construction, the first C851E (CCL) train that arrived in Singapore in March 2022 was delivered to Kim Chuan Depot.
Gallery:
I think NEL and CCL new trains looks good but if they could paint it with sbs or smrt logos, it will be great
Wa, the orange hand grips. Can tell that it is orange all the way.
Not sure about the NEL version. Probably also purple all the way.
As in, orange and purple 主題 (theme), like the 環狀線列車 (circular line train) in 新北市，台灣，中國 (New Taipei, Taiwan, China).
This kind of colour combination looks cute.
Actually, why the Jurong Region Line train livery and colour combination don’t want to also like that, use turquoise / teal colour combination, then everything turquoise / teal. At least better than the current Jurong Region Line train livery. A simple livery like the new CCL and NEL trains looks more pleasant.
Anyway, the uniform colour scheme on the livery and the handgrips to match the line’s colour really enhances the identity of the line.
Looking forward to riding the new CCL trains and new NEL trains when they are put into service in the near future.