Alstom Metropolis C830C
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
| Founder | Alstom and Shanghai Electric |
| Headquarters | Shanghai , China |
| Products | Electric multiple units, train control systems |
The Alstom Metropolis C830C represents the second iteration of communication-based train control (CBTC) electric multiple units deployed on Singapore's Circle MRT line. Produced by Shanghai Alstom Transport Co Ltd—a collaboration between Alstom and Shanghai Electric—a total of 24 three-car trainsets were introduced beginning in June 2014 to improve both capacity and automation along the route.
Tender
The procurement process for trains under contract 830C was launched concurrently with contract C751C, which covered 18 additional trains for the North East line. The tender closed on 18 July 2011, attracting five submissions. The Land Transport Authority shortlisted all contenders and announced the outcomes on 1 February 2012.
| S/N | Tenderer | Bid Amount (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alstom Transport S.A. / Alstom Transport (S) Pte Ltd Consortium | 134,000,000.00 |
| 2 | Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. / Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Singapore) Pte Ltd & CSR Qingdao Sifang Consortium | 198,321,046.16 |
| 3 | Hyundai Rotem Company | 149,121,600.00 |
| 4 | Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. | 115,576,832.68 |
| 5 | CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive / Siemens Pte Ltd Consortium | 121,842,307.69 |
Design
The structural design of the C830C closely resembles its predecessor, the C830, with subtle modifications such as an enlarged SMRT logo and revamped interior styling. Reserved seating is marked in red; driving motor cars are outfitted with dark blue and lemon yellow seats, while the intermediate cars feature khaki-colored seats. The traction motors emit a louder sound profile similar to those utilized on Amsterdam Metro’s M5 Series.
Other improvements encompass bluish-grey door panel interiors and a newly installed SMRT Active Route Map Information System positioned above the doors—comparable to the system found on C951(A) trains—as well as a gangway design inspired by the C751C. Additionally, the C830Cs are equipped with headlights that are noticeably brighter than those on the original C830 units.
Features
Equipped with a Visual Passenger Information System, the C830C displays both current and upcoming stations while indicating door opening sides through green blinking lights. Its dynamic route display inside the train continuously refreshes route details and door side information. The DRMD panels are scheduled for an update in 2026 to incorporate Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road stations as part of Circle line Stage 6.
Although most stations on the Circle line have doors opening on the right-hand side, certain stations—such as Promenade (heading towards HarbourFront), Bayfront (towards Stadium), and terminal stations Dhoby Ghaut and Marina Bay—feature left-side door openings.
Driverless operation
The C830C operates entirely without drivers by utilizing CBTC technology, which replaces conventional fixed-block track circuits with continuous two-way digital communication between trains and control centers. This advanced system lowers life-cycle expenses while boosting operational adaptability.
Operational issues
Trainset 846 encountered issues with defective signalling equipment, resulting in sporadic interruptions on the Circle MRT line during August and November of 2016.
Train configuration
C830C trainsets are arranged in a Mc1–T–Mc2 formation.
| Type of Car | Number | Driver's Cab | Powered Motor | Collector Shoe | Length of Car | Wheelchair Space | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| meters | feet and inches | ||||||
| Mc | 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 23.65 | 77 ft 7.1 in | ✗ |
| T | 1 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | 22.8 | 74 ft 9.6 in | ✓ |
Train identifiers range from 841x through to 864x, with the final digit indicating the type of carriage. Each trio of cars consists of one trailer (T) flanked by two motor driving cars (Mc), which remain permanently linked. For instance, set 841 includes carriages numbered 8411, 8412, and 8413.
- The initial digit is fixed at 8.
- The second and third digits specify the set number.
- The last digit denotes the individual car’s position (1 for the first car, 2 for the second, and 3 for the third).
- Sets numbered between 841 and 864 were produced by Alstom.