Picture of a metropolis at sunset with stylized digital streams crossing the image.

Downtown Line Singapore

Commissioning one of the world’s longest fully automated suburban metro lines
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Challenge

A metro line for a growing metropolis

Singapore continues apace with its growth, with over 5.6 million people living in the Asian financial center. But this large population brings infrastructure challenges that will require Singapore to carry on with the expansion of its network with a modern metro line.
A graphic showing a big 44 within a floor plan of a city.

The answer to growing traffic challenges

The Downtown Line (DTL) helps manage the volume of traffic and connects people from the outer districts with the inner city. With its existing 34 stations, it offers an alternative, sustainable commuting route and is one of the world’s longest fully automated suburban metro lines. 

A vision come true

Trusted partner 

Our solutions help Singapore to develop an integrated and sustainable transport system that will last through the decades ahead.

Pioneering transportation

For the Singapore Downtown Line we provide state-of-the-art technology, such as the most advanced CBTC systems with the maximum level of automation (GOA4) and digital services that help to increase overall availability and improve operational efficiency. 

Moving people

With the commissioning of the Downtown Line in 1987 and the extensions that followed, we helped connect people to the city and making travel within the city fast and easy.

Sustainability

With the Downtown Line, we are helping Singapore to reduce traffic congestion and provide its inhabitants with sustainable public transport.

Solution

Versatile solutions for a versatile metro line

Singapore’s Downtown Line brings automation and versatility that fits the nature of the growing transport hub. Our comprehensive solutions are an essential part of the line. Why? Take a look to discover how our technology helped making the system so efficient and high performing.
Benefits

Leading Singapore's public transport into the future with digital solutions

For the Downtown Line we supported our customer the Land Transport Authority (LTA) with signaling, a simulation center for signaling, electrification, the Rail Enterprise Asset Management System (REAMS) as well as an integrated depot that is unique in the world. All our solutions work seamlessly together to create a state-of-the-art, reliable transport system.
A graphic showing several stylized benefits of the Downtown Line Singapore.

The benefits at a glance

  • Maximum level of automation (GOA4) thanks to the most advanced CBTC technology 
  • Increased capacity, availability and reliability thanks to digitalization
  • Improved passenger experience thanks to smooth traffic flow
  • Optimized operations thanks to the simulation center 
  • Increased overall availability and improved operational efficiency thanks to REAMS
Portfolio overview

Wide range of solutions for Singapore's public transport system

Discover the solutions we are using to move public transport forward in Singapore, in detail.

The solutions in detail

A graphic showing a traffic light with stylized radio function in front of a metro line driving along modern buildings.

Signaling

At the core of the fully automated signaling system of Downtown Line Singapore is the automated train protection and operation system Trainguard Sirius CBTC. It helps to shorten the intervals between trains, which improves the line’s transport capacity. In case of an unlikely incident, the CBTC system is able to continue thanks to its exclusive backup mode based on a speed codes Automated Train Protection (ATP system).

A graphic showing a monitor with a stylized signaling function in front of a metro line driving along modern buildings.

Simulation center for signaling

A simulation center for the Downtown Line’s (DTL) signaling system enables in-depth and faster technical analysis surrounding signal-related incidents, enhance testing of new signaling features and system functionalities before deployment as well as increase capabilities for training LTA and the operator’s technical staff. The test center helps to increase the robustness of testing works and minimises disruption to passenger service.

A graphic showing two power poles with three stylized power cables in front of a metro line driving along modern buildings.

Electrification

The Downtown Line (DTL) power supply system is designed for optimum energy efficiency and system performance. The high level of safety of the DTL traction system is ensured by the Emergency Traction Tripping System (ETTS), which provides safe isolation of power supply in the event of emergencies, as well as the Fault Identification System (FIS) and the Stray Current Monitoring System (SMS). Apart from this, associated auxiliary systems such as a redundant battery charging system is provided. Each station is also equipped with a station control panel that allows easy interface with the SCADA system and local monitoring of events.

A graphic showing a monitor with stylized gear wheels in front of a metro line driving along modern buildings.

Rail Enterprise Asset Management System (REAMS)

The digital asset management for rail systems in Singapore (REAMS) integrates asset information and maintenance records across the entire rail system, so that the health of the various operating assets can be monitored holistically over their respective life cycles. REAMS is also equipped with data analytics capabilities to monitor asset performance and identify potential risks before they occur, so that assets can be repaired or renewed pre-emptively. Learn more:

A graphic showing a stylized train with a restaurant and a parking sign in front of a metro line driving along modern buildings.

Depot equipment

In addition to the full range of services for the Downtown Line, we supply the depot equipment for the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot. The depot will serve the East West Line (EWL), Downtown Line (DTL) and the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and is the first depot of its kind to integrate three train depots and a bus depot on a single site. Comprehensive integrated and digital solutions for the depot increase the metro line’s availability and reliability.

References 

IL&FS Rail Limited | Metro line extension
Gurgaon, India

Turnkey extension of a metro line

  • In 2013, Siemens Mobility began extending a seven-kilometer section of the Gurgaon Cyber City metro line (total volume approximately 70 million euros)

  • The scope of supply included seven metro trains, the entire rail electrification, and the signaling system

  • The line went into service in 2017 and can carry more than 30,000 passengers per hour

More information
Driverless metro line
Arriyadh Development Authority
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Driverless metro line

67 vehicles for the world's biggest metro project

  • Riyadh is implementing one of the world's biggest metro projects, incorporating six lines with a total length of 176 kilometers

  • Siemens Mobility is equipping two 64-kilometer lines with rolling stock, rail electrification, and signaling and communications technology

  • The 2 and 4-car driverless trains have been designed with the region's extreme climate in mind

More information
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM)
Bangkok, Thailand
Metro system

Network expansion for megacity

  • Siemens Mobility had already implemented a 21-kilometer rail network for Bangkok’s first metro line back in 2004

  • In 2017, Siemens Mobility received a turnkey order for the extension of the Blue Line

  • The scope of Siemens’ delivery includes 35 three-car metro trains, the signaling system, the traction power supply and equipment for the depot and workshop. In addition, Siemens Mobility will provide maintenance services for the transit system

More information

Contact

Get in touch with us

Want to learn more about Singapore’s Downtown Line, or other similar projects around the world? Do not hesitate to get in touch!

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