Bukit Panjang LRT Upgrades Near Completion by 2026

SINGAPORE – Commuters traveling on the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) can look forward to enhanced reliability and a smoother ride with substantial upgrades set to wrap up by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to improve the overall experience for passengers.

Power Rail Replacement Nearly Finished

A significant portion of the upgrades involves the replacement of 16.6 kilometers of power rails that supply electricity to the trains. As of now, this work is nearing completion, with approximately 98% done.

The renewal project, which began in 2018, also includes a complete overhaul of the BPLRT's signaling system. The new communications-based train control system aligns with the technology used in Singapore's MRT lines.

Advanced Signaling and Operations Enhancements

This updated system allows real-time data exchange between trains and trackside equipment, enabling precise monitoring of train locations and speeds. It calculates safe distances between trains and regulates their speeds accordingly.

The operations control center, which manages real-time train activities and network safety, has also received upgrades. According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the enhancements have positively affected BPLRT's reliability metrics.

For instance, in September 2026, trains on the BPLRT managed 443,000 train-kilometers without delays—an impressive increase from just 53,000 in 2017. Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow noted that the rail reliability metric has grown eightfold since the upgrades began.

Fleet Modernization and Features

As of October 2025, the BPLRT fleet has been modernized. The older first-generation light rail vehicles have been replaced with third-generation models, while second-generation vehicles have been upgraded to work with the new signaling framework.

The third-generation trains are equipped with advanced monitoring systems that allow for early fault detection, which assists in proactive maintenance. Enhanced features include dynamic route displays, energy-efficient LED lighting, and improved air conditioning systems.

Coordinating Upgrades and Maintaining Service

However, the upgrade process has not come without challenges. The coordination of delivering new vehicles, retrofitting existing ones, and removing outdated models presented logistical hurdles, especially while maintaining service concurrently.

The LTA also upgraded the power supply system by introducing a new intake source at Ten Mile Junction. The existing source at Choa Chu Kang MRT remains as a backup.

Addressing Reliability Issues

The BPLRT network, which has been in operation for 27 years, has experienced its share of reliability problems, notably two significant disruptions in 2025 due to power faults, affecting all stations for two to three hours. These incidents were linked to a newly implemented monitoring system.

Over the past nine years, there were 10 scheduled full-day closures on Sundays to facilitate extensive renewal work—a strategy that allows engineers a continuous 26-hour work window for larger projects.

Further Improvements for Commuters

In addition to technical upgrades, plans are in place to enhance commuter amenities. These include a new communication system featuring emergency telephones, intercoms, and an upgrade of the public address system. As of now, approximately 88% of these improvements are complete, with final work expected to finish by the second half of 2027. The old equipment will be phased out by the latter half of 2028.

Lastly, all 25 lifts across the 13 BPLRT stations, along with an escalator at Choa Chu Kang station, are set for a revamp, aiming to enhance accessibility for all passengers by February 2027. Features like tilted floor indicator screens, rear wall mirrors, and easy-to-reach lift buttons will ensure a better experience for those with mobility challenges.