Singapore reached a significant milestone in its rail infrastructure with the official opening of the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) in Tuas on March 28, 2025. The SRTC, built for SGD 800 million (USD 597 million) and spanning 50 hectares, is designed for comprehensive, round-the-clock testing and commissioning of trains and core railway systems. This facility allows Singapore to conduct local testing under realistic operational and climate conditions, reducing the need to rely on overseas facilities and supporting efforts to improve the reliability and safety of both new and existing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines.
The SRTC features three specialized test tracks: a 2.8 km performance and integration track with an S-shaped section for system integration tests; a 3 km endurance track with uphill gradients for durability assessments; and a 2.8 km high-speed track for traction and brake tests at speeds up to 100 km/h. The centre also includes an operations control centre, workshops, and inspection facilities for train upgrades and maintenance. Its remote location enables uninterrupted, 24-hour testing without affecting passenger services or nearby communities, while freeing up engineering hours for network maintenance.
Beyond immediate operational advantages, the SRTC is intended to serve as a national test centre for multiple train manufacturers and all MRT lines, both current and future. This will help speed up the deployment of new trains and provide a training ground for Singapore’s rail engineers and operators. The centre is also expected to support research and development, allowing industry partners and equipment manufacturers to trial new technologies and systems.
The opening of the SRTC comes as Singapore moves forward with several rail expansion projects, such as the West Coast Extension and feasibility studies for new lines like the Seletar and Tengah Lines. With the Ministry of Transport committing up to SGD 1 billion (about USD 747 million) over the next five years for rail safety and resilience, the SRTC is set to play a key role in maintaining and improving the nation’s rail network.
(Source: Channel News Asia)
