All existing MRT lines to have system to detect overheating train axle boxes by 2028

Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system will see all existing lines equipped with advanced systems to detect overheating axle boxes by 2028, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The initiative aims to enhance safety and reliability across the city-state’s extensive rail network. The system will initially be installed on the North-South, East-West, Circle, Thomson-East Coast, Downtown, and North East lines, with implementation on the Jurong Region Line (JRL) scheduled to begin by the end of 2030. The JRL is set to commence operations in phases between mid-2028 and 2029, with a new station between Tengah and Choa Chu Kang planned for the mid-2030s. The decision follows a major rail disruption on the East-West Line (EWL) in September 2024, when an axle box failure led to a derailment. The incident, which lasted six days, disrupted services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations. Investigations revealed that an axle box had reached a temperature of 118 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the typical range of 30 to 65 degrees Celsius. Despite the high temperature, SMRT’s heat detection tool failed to identify the issue due to system malfunctions, which were later corrected. The new system, valued at approximately $12.5 million, has been contracted to Chinese railway safety equipment manufacturer Chengdu Shengkai Co. It will employ trackside infrared sensors to continuously monitor axle box and gearbox temperatures. The system is designed to alert rail operators to any unusual temperature increases, enabling timely intervention to prevent potential failures. The installation is expected to begin in 2027, with the system replacing older detection methods currently in use on some lines. Currently, hot axle detection systems are operated by SMRT on the North-South and East-West lines and by SBS Transit on the North East Line. To complement the new system, two additional technologies will be deployed. An acoustic detection system, available only on the North-South and East-West lines and the JRL, will utilize trackside microphones and predictive analytics to identify early signs of bearing damage. Meanwhile, a hot wheel detection system will be installed on all lines, including the JRL, to monitor wheel temperatures and detect potential wheel or braking system faults. Axle bearings, crucial components that facilitate the smooth rotation of train wheels, are susceptible to overheating due to factors such as degraded grease or worn-out chevron springs. Chevron springs, made of bonded metal plates and rubber, help absorb vibrations during train movement. Excessive friction in these components can lead to axle box overheating, posing a risk to operational safety. The LTA issued a tender for the supply of the hot axle box detection system in October 2025, with submissions closing in January 2026. Notably, the Cross Island Line, which is currently under construction and slated for completion by 2030, was excluded from the tender as it is not yet operational. The overhaul of the detection system marks a significant step toward modernizing Singapore’s rail infrastructure. By standardizing equipment and streamlining spare part management, the LTA hopes to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The new technology will also ensure more consistent monitoring across all lines, enhancing overall safety and service reliability. As the project progresses, the focus remains on ensuring seamless integration of the new systems into the existing MRT network.