SMRT to spend about $900 million to tackle MRT woes

IN 3, 2, 1...

A systematic upgrade of the North-South and East-West MRT lines will roll out from this year and be completed by 2020 or so. The plan, designed to make Singapore's oldest metro lines more robust, is expected to cost around $900 million, possibly more.

Rail operator SMRT Corp announced the upgrade at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon after a spate of embarrassing breakdowns took place over the last two weeks.

To be carried out in stages, the plan includes replacing all metal claws holding the power-supplying 'third rail' up with the latest type that can be bolted down and are far more resistant to vibration than the claws in use today.

A system will also be put in place that measures track vibration levels. Older trains will also have their propulsion systems replaced. About half of the 128 trains plying the North-South and East-West lines are 25 years old.

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