Discover how Otis helped drive a large-scale escalator modernization project in Singapore’s first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, North-South and East-West Lines

As two of the oldest and busiest Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail lines in Singapore, the North-South and East-West Lines have been serving the country’s commuters for more than three decades. To support an ever-increasing passenger volume, Otis embarked on a six-year project to upgrade, refurbish and modernize the line’s extensive escalator system and renew its design life by another 30 years.

Solution

Before beginning work on each escalator, we collaborated closely with the customer to develop a plan that accounted for a range of factors, including location of escalators, passenger volume and routes potentially impacted, if any additional scope of work required and lead time.

Once the plans were finalized, we began the refurbishment process by replacing all escalator components subject to fatigue, wear or obsolescence. Static parts, such as trusses and balustrades, were retained and cleaned. Teams also conducted eddy current inspections and ultrasonic examinations – methods used to check for flaws and corrosion – to ensure the integrity of each truss and to confirm they could last another 30 years.

Higher-torque gear machines, an automatic lubrication system and new controllers were installed on all escalators to optimize energy usage and improve capabilities. Each controller now includes a Multifunction Escalator Safety Device with passenger radar sensors to enable speed reduction – and indirectly uses less energy – when not in use by passengers. The escalators are also able to move at different speeds during peak and nonpeak hours. New control panels were also added along with fault detection systems to enable more accurate troubleshooting.

To minimize disruptions, teams typically worked on one escalator at a time in each station throughout the project. Any escalator shutdowns were carefully coordinated to minimize inconvenience to passengers. Just-in-time parts deliveries were established to minimize space requirements. The temporary barriers placed around the work area were also used to provide the public with up-to-date details on what work was being performed, estimated completion date and contact information.

After six years of work, the North-South and East-West Line modernization project was successfully completed in 2022. At every stage, we worked closely with the customer to meet their goals and deliver a safe, efficient and impactful modernization. In addition to being an important part of the transit network’s overall modernization efforts, the project was recognized as an Elevator World Project of the Year for 2024.