Veteran captain and commuters recall memories as Kawasaki C151 trains make way for new fleet
Singapore has bid farewell to its first-generation MRT trains, the Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 fleet, after nearly 38 years of service. Their retirement marks the end of an era for commuters and rail staff who grew up with the system
End of an Era
On September 26, 2025, the last of Singapore’s 66 first-generation Kawasaki C151 MRT trains was officially decommissioned, completing a phasing-out process that began in 2020. Introduced in November 1987, these trains formed the backbone of the country’s first MRT network, running on the North-South and East-West lines.
Replaced by Modern R151 Fleet
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT confirmed that the retired fleet has been replaced by seventh-generation Alstom Movia R151 trains, which began service in June 2023. As of mid-September, 79 R151 units had arrived in Singapore, with 70 already handed over to SMRT. The remaining trains will be delivered and fully operational by 2026.
A Captain’s Emotional Goodbye
For train captain Mohd Zaidi Sulaiman, 52, the retirement was deeply personal. He had driven the Kawasaki fleet since 1994, spanning more than three decades of his career. “I started off as a bachelor, got married, had children, and until today … it was a beautiful journey,” he said. He described the trains as his “second wife,” reflecting the bond forged through years of service.
From Manual Brakes to Automation
Zaidi recalled the early days when train captains manually applied brakes during rainy weather—a skill that seasoned operators took pride in. With signalling upgrades in 2018, automation replaced much of the manual control. Today’s R151 trains offer automated brake testing and advanced features, but for veterans, the older fleet will always stand out as the “smoothest” to operate.
Preserving a Piece of History
While the trains are no longer on the tracks, many will live on in new ways. The LTA has partnered with community groups to preserve 26 train cabins and donate over 800 seats and parts. Items such as route maps and hand straps have also been auctioned for charity, ensuring the fleet continues to contribute to Singapore’s community.
Regional Impact and Shared Memory
During the MRT’s early years, delegations from Beijing, Taipei, and Shanghai visited Singapore to learn from its urban rail system. SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming noted that the C151 retirement is not just a technical milestone but also a celebration of history and progress. For commuters, the trains carried generations to school, work, and family milestones, embedding themselves in the nation’s collective memory.
The retirement of Singapore’s first-generation MRT trains symbolizes both progress and nostalgia. For commuters and rail staff, the Kawasaki C151 fleet was more than transport—it was a constant companion through decades of change. As the new R151 fleet ushers in the next chapter of public transport, Singaporeans are reminded of the enduring bond between infrastructure, daily life, and shared history.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Singapore MRT, Kawasaki C151, Train Retirement, SMRT, Alstom R151, Transport History
