Retrofitted C801A train delivery to Singapore

In April 2021, two retrofitted C801A trains for the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) were delivered to Singapore. They were trains 128 and 131.

These two Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) were removed from service in 2019, and shipped to Bombardier in Saint Bruno, Canada for refitting of the new CBTC signalling system. They were then sent to the USA for dynamic testing before returning to Singapore.

On the exterior, the refitted LRVs feature additional roof protrusions, presumably as part of the new communication equipment installed.

Resignalling works:

As part of the Bukit Panjang LRT Overhaul, the BPLRT line will be refitted with the Cityflo 650 Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which will offer better reliability and improve the robustness of the BPLRT when encountering a signalling fault.

As for the rolling stock, only C801A trains would be resignalled for compatibility with the new signalling system. The older C801 trains would be replaced by new LRT vehicles, initially planned for delivery in 3Q 2020, but has since been delayed.

Train Introduced Numbers Outcome
Bombardier Innovia APM 100 (C801) 1999 19 To be retired, and replaced with new C801B trains
Bombardier Innovia APM 100 (C801A) 2014-15 13 Upgraded with new Cityflo 650 CBTC signalling system
Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) ~2020 (Delayed) 19 Replacement for 19 retired C801 trains, with condition monitoring features

Only two C801A trains had their signalling systems refitted in Canada. The remaining 11 units are expected to be refitted in Singapore.

Lifting

In the early hours of 11th and 18th April, both vehicles were raised onto the guideway from a staging area adjacent to Ten Mile Junction Depot. Train 131 was raised on 11th April, while Train 128 was raised on 18th April. Each train weighed about 17 t, and a 500 t mobile crane was rented on each occasion for the lifting.

After being raised onto the viaduct, maintenance teams moved in and secured the LRT to the guide rail. The process was overseen by staff from SMRT, LTA and Bombardier.

A boom lift was also used to observe the securing process from the outer edge of the guideway.

Finally, the newly-delivered train was shunted to Ten Mile Junction Depot using another LRT vehicle stationed at Phoenix station.


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One thought on “Retrofitted C801A train delivery to Singapore

  • 29 May 2021 at 8:41 PM
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    Hi i feedback to lta about the delivery of the C801B they say the first two new trains cars are now undergoing testing at their factory and they will it will be deliver from 3rd Q 2021

    Reply

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