Refurbishment Plans for First-generation C830 Circle Line Trains

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether there are refurbishment plans for the first-generation C830 Circle Line trains as they approach 20 years of service; (b) what the typical lead time and duration are for such refurbishments; and (c) what technical or cost-benefit criteria determine the choice between refurbishment and full fleet replacement.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The Land Transport Authority is currently assessing the scope and timing for the refurbishment of the first-generation Circle Line trains. This assessment is based on train performance and condition, the need to replace obsolete parts and whether there are viable upgrades available. Our trains typically undergo one major refurbishment around the 20-year mark, although this can vary according to train condition, before they are replaced with newer trains.