Alstom Urbalis CBTC Links Singapore TEL to Changi Airport

Alstom wins strategic contract to modernize Singapore's railway signaling. The French giant will deploy its Urbalis CBTC system to directly connect Changi Airport to the urban network.

Alstom Selected for Thomson-East Coast Line

Next-Generation Signaling System

Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has entrusted Alstom with supplying its advanced Urbalis CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) system. This high-capacity driverless signaling technology will equip East West Line stations to connect them to the Thomson-East Coast Line extension (TELe).

Alstom's Urbalis CBTC system is already operational on the existing TEL and demonstrates its performance at Malaga Metro Control Centre, confirming its international reliability.

Technical Project Scope

The contract covers several critical modernization aspects:

Station conversions:

• Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport to TEL standards
• Equipment for extension to future Changi Terminal 5 station
• Direct TEL-Changi Airport connection

This infrastructure supports the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 (LTMP 2040), a master plan aimed at creating a more comprehensive land transport system in Singapore.

Strategic Partnership and Technical Expertise

Collaboration with ST Engineering

Alstom collaborates with ST Engineering Urban Solutions Ltd. in this consortium. The Singaporean partner will provide the Data Communication System (DCS) and Platform Screen Doors (PSD), ensuring optimal technology integration.

Alstom's Asia-Pacific Commitment

Yann Maixandeau, Managing Director Singapore & Malaysia at Alstom, emphasizes the company's historical commitment: "We are proud to have supported Singapore's rail development for over two decades".

This new contract confirms Alstom's leadership in advanced driverless train control systems, positioning the company as a regional technology reference.

Impact on Singapore Connectivity

57-Kilometer Transformed Line

Upon full completion, the Thomson-East Coast Line will stretch 57km, connecting Tanah Merah to Woodlands North while passing through iconic locations:

• Gardens by the Bay
• Maxwell
• Orchard
• Transfer option to Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link

User Benefits

The TEL extension will deliver significant advantages:

Journey time reductions:

• Changi Airport - Marina Bay: 45 minutes (from current 55)
• New direct high-speed connection to city center
• Optimized links to residential areas

LTMP 2040 vision:

• Seamless, efficient, and sustainable journeys between city and airport
• Enhanced Singapore attractiveness as regional hub
• Reduced transport carbon footprint

CBTC Technology: Global Reference

Alstom's Urbalis CBTC system represents state-of-the-art urban railway signaling. This technology enables:

• Secure driverless operation
• Optimized train frequency
• Advanced predictive maintenance
• IoT integration for real-time supervision

The Singapore implementation will consolidate Alstom's position in the Asian intelligent transport systems market.