SMRT teams up with Chinese rail operator for joint bid to operate Cross Island Line

SMRT Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with China's Guangzhou Metro Group (GMG) to submit a joint bid for the operation of Singapore's Cross Island Line (CRL). The collaboration was revealed during a press briefing held at Bishan Depot on August 5, with SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming highlighting the potential benefits of combining GMG's extensive expertise with SMRT's local knowledge. The CRL, set to become Singapore's eighth MRT line, spans approximately 67 kilometers and includes 27 stations, stretching from Changi Airport Terminal 5 to Gul Circle. It is being constructed in three phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2030. Seah emphasized that GMG brings valuable experience in utilizing a fixed overhead conductor rail power system, a technology that will be employed for the CRL. Currently, only the North East Line, managed by SBS Transit, uses this method, while all other MRT lines rely on a third rail system. GMG's vast network serves over nine million passengers daily, three times the volume of Singapore's existing MRT system. This operational scale, according to Seah, complements SMRT's strengths and promises long-term value for Singapore. The partnership between SMRT and GMG was formalized in June through a signed agreement. However, the initial tender process for the CRL's operator, initiated in May 2023, was halted in November 2024 by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). At that time, the authority stated that none of the submitted bids adequately addressed the uncertainties associated with operating the line six years after its projected commencement. Two bidders, SMRT Trains and a joint venture comprising SBS Transit Rail and a subsidiary of French public transport operator RATP Dev, had participated in the initial round. Beyond their bid for the CRL, SMRT and GMG have established a collaborative innovation laboratory at Bishan Depot. Launched in June, the SMRT-Guangzhou Metro Rail Innovation Laboratory aims to adapt and test digital solutions developed by GMG for use in Singapore. The lab is currently evaluating three key systems already in use by GMG. One of these involves analyzing commuter movement patterns using fare gate data, allowing for visual identification of crowded areas through large red circles. When combined with artificial intelligence, this system enables SMRT to manage crowds and schedule trains more effectively, according to deputy head of engineering Reuben Lim. Another system under evaluation provides staff with a comprehensive overview of station operations and facilities, including real-time conditions of lifts and escalators. Some functions within this system can be controlled remotely. A third system integrates data on tracks, tunnels, and rails, enabling teams to identify anomalies, analyze trends, and assess defects based on location, type, and severity. In addition to the CRL initiative, SMRT is also upgrading Mandai Depot as part of a broader project known as Depot 4.0. This upgrade focuses on enhancing maintenance quality through automation and digital technologies. Scheduled for completion by mid-2027, the project aims to double the depot's train overhaul capacity and reduce overhaul time for the Thomson-East line by half. The upgrades reflect SMRT's ongoing commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and improving operational efficiency. The announcement of the SMRT-GMG partnership marks a significant step in Singapore's efforts to enhance its public transportation network. With the CRL poised to significantly improve connectivity across the island, particularly in the western industrial areas, the involvement of international partners underscores the importance of leveraging global expertise in developing advanced transit solutions. As the project progresses, further developments regarding the tender process and implementation plans are anticipated.