SMRT Trains partners with Guangzhou Metro Group to submit a bid for Singapore's future Cross Island Line, launching a joint AI innovation laboratory at Bishan Depot and upgrading depot and bus operations as part of its digital transformation roadmap.
SMRT Trains, Singapore's leading private rail operator, has announced a strategic partnership with China's Guangzhou Metro Group (GMG) as it prepares to re‑enter the bid for the Cross Island Line (CRL).
The collaboration comes at a time when the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is expected to reopen the tender for the country's longest wholly underground corridor, which will span approximately 67 kilometres and include 27 stations from Changi Airport Terminal 5 to Gul Circle station. The CRL is anticipated to become the eighth mass rapid transit line in the region, delivering a new artery that will interlink the western industrial estates with the central business district and enhance cross‑island mobility.
In a press briefing held at the Bishan Depot on 5 August, SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming highlighted the complementary strengths of the two rail giants. GMG brings two key assets to the table: a proven record of operating a network that serves over nine million passengers daily, roughly three times the ridership of Singapore's entire MRT system, and expertise in fixed‑overhead conductor rail power systems - a technology that is currently only employed on the North East Line.
All other lines in Singapore rely on a third rail, so the introduction of this technology could create a future‑proof power solution for the new CRL. The joint venture developed by SMRT and a subsidiary of GMG has already been established under the name SMRT‑Guangzhou Metro Rail Innovation Laboratory, which opened in June. The lab serves as a testing ground for a suite of digital and analytics platforms that GMG has cultivated over years of operation in China.
Three systems are in the initial trial phase. The first is an AI‑driven commuter analysis engine that taps fare‑gate data to generate visual heat maps of passenger flow at each station. Red circles are used to indicate peak congestion zones, enabling managers to deploy crowd‑control measures and adjust train frequency in real time. The second system furnishes operators with a panoramic view of station operations, covering elements such as lift and escalator performance, cleaning status, and security camera feeds.
The third product is an advanced anomaly detection platform that combines real‑time sensor data from track, tunnel, and rolling‑stock components to flag potential defects, trace patterns, and prioritize maintenance tasks. Deputy head of engineering Reuben Lim spoke enthusiastically about the potential of these tools, noting that the ability to stay ahead of crowd surges and reduce downtime can translate into smoother journeys for millions of commuters.
The AI models are trained on a vast dataset that includes behavioural patterns from the Chinese network, allowing for a nuanced understanding of peak periods, seasonal variations, and the impact of special events. As a result, SMRT hopes to roll out these capabilities progressively across its existing network while refining the technology for the CRL's specific operational environment. Beyond software, SMRT is also modernising its physical infrastructure.
Mandai Depot is currently undergoing a major refurbishment under a project dubbed Depot 4.0. The upgrade aims to double the depot's train overhaul capacity, so that four units can be overhauled per month instead of the current two, while halving the time required for a full overhaul of Thomson‑East Coast Line rolling stock from 24 days to 12 days.
The project is scheduled for completion by mid‑2027 and will incorporate automated inspection robots, digital work‑order management, and real‑time quality monitoring systems. Seah also previewed a large‑scale overhaul of the bus network, which will be codenamed Bus 4.0. The initiative is designed to overhaul the entire lifecycle of bus operations, from procurement and maintenance to real‑time fleet management and customer experience.
By integrating digital twins, predictive maintenance tools, and AI‑based routing, the programme seeks to improve reliability, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance service coverage across the country. Bus 4.0 is positioned as a flagship endeavour that will showcase Singapore's commitment to smart mobility. Officials emphasised that these innovations are not only significant for operational efficiency but also carry broader national importance.
The LTA, alongside the Ministry of Transport, will monitor the pilot projects closely to ensure that safety and reliability standards are upheld before any full‑scale deployment. The LTA's earlier decision in November 2024 not to award the operator contract for the CRL underscored the complexities involved in opening a new underground line six years on from the start of construction.
The forthcoming tender will demand that operators illustrate a realistic risk mitigation framework, which the SMRT‑GMG partnership aims to provide through its evidence‑based, data‑driven approach. In conclusion, the partnership marks a significant step for Singapore's rail sector, positioning SMRT to innovate while leveraging the operational depth of a global metro operator.
If successful, a joint bid could ensure that the CRL is not only a new transit corridor but also a platform for cutting‑edge technology that will set a new benchmark for safety, reliability, and passenger experience in the region
Please follow us on Google to support usSMRT Trains Guangzhou Metro Group Cross Island Line AI Innovation Laboratory Depot 4.0