The first train for Singapore's Cross Island Line arrived from Qingdao, China, and is now undergoing comprehensive testing at the Singapore Rail Testing Centre as of May 31, 2025 [1, 2]. The line will use fully automated six-car trains featuring wider gangways of 1.6 meters between carriages, compared to 1.4 meters on existing MRT lines, to ease passenger movement [1, 2].
The train is equipped with smart condition monitoring and diagnostic systems designed to detect faults early and boost reliability [1, 2]. The train's exterior sports a black, silver grey, and light green color scheme, with light blue and green seats and matching handholds [1].
The Land Transport Authority awarded a SGD 589 million contract in June 2023 to CRRC Qingdao Sifang and CRRC Sifang Singapore for 44 trains, including options for up to 11 more and long-term maintenance [1]. Phase one of the Cross Island Line will span 29 km with 12 stations, linking Aviation Park to Bright Hill and serving key residential and industrial areas such as Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, and Ang Mo Kio [2].
Phase two, a 15 km section with six underground stations including interchanges at King Albert Park and Clementi, commenced construction in July 2025 [2]. It will add stations like Turf City and Jurong Lake District. Phase three plans include at least four stations with possible interchanges to other lines [2].
A four-station extension from Pasir Ris to Punggol is scheduled to open in 2032 alongside the completion of phase two [2]. The line is projected to serve 600,000 daily riders initially, with long-term ridership expected to reach one million [2].
Phase one of the Cross Island Line is targeted to open in phases starting from 2030 [1, 2]. Testing of the first train marks a key milestone ahead of these rollout plans.
