Work to connect two new reception tracks along Sengkang East Avenue to the mainline — as part of the Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) depot expansion works — has been completed two weeks ahead of schedule, with services on the Sengkang West inner loop set to resume on Oct 4.
Announcing this on Friday (Oct 2), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the earlier completion, originally scheduled for completion on Oct 18, was made possible by the project team's efforts.
"We were able to achieve this because the project team on the ground was able to optimise the sequencing of works, so the major and critical works were completed (safely) ahead of schedule," said Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling, who met with the project team and workers at the depot.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Ng Chee Meng, who is also MP for Jalan Kayu SMC, and grassroots advisers of Sengkang GRC, including Dr Lam Pin Min.
With the impending resumption of full train services, the authority will cease weekday peak-period shuttle bus services after the evening peak on Friday.
"We thank commuters and residents for their patience and understanding while these complex upgrading works were carried out, as we continue to improve SPLRT services for our commuters," LTA said in a statement.
SPLRT depot upgrading
Depot expansion works to support a larger SPLRT fleet began in 2022.
As part of the work, the Sengkang West inner loop has been temporarily closed since April 19 to allow modifications to the existing tracks, connection of new reception tracks along Sengkang West Avenue to the mainline, as well as the installation and testing of signalling systems.
LTA said that overall depot expansion works are progressing well and are on track for completion by 2027.
Train fleet expansion
To further support growing travel demand in Sengkang and Punggol, LTA also announced the procurement of eight additional third-generation two-car light rail vehicles (LRVs).
The procurement will bring the total number of two-car LRVs serving the SPLRT to 41 by 2030.
These LRVs have passenger-friendly features such as ergonomic seating and clearer passenger information displays.
They also incorporate enhancements to support operations and maintenance.
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