SINGAPORE (Nov 19): Hitachi Ltd (Hitachi) announced it has secured a S$30 million (RM77.6 million) contract with Sentosa Development Corp (SDC) through its subsidiary, Hitachi Asia Ltd, to enhance the capability of the Sentosa Express light rail system with a new wireless signalling system and another train set that comprises two carriages.

"The enhancement will enable the Sentosa Express to cater to more passengers and better serve an increasing number of visitors entering the popular island resort located on the southern end of Singapore," the Japanese conglomerate said in a statement this morning.

The signalling system, called Communication Based Train Control (CBTC),  and the train set are expected to be delivered by 2017.

CBTC uses wireless communication to transmit information on trains' positions and speeds so that the distance between trains can be "closer, yet safe and constant".

"This significantly reduces the time intervals between trains, shaving off travel time for guests. The improvement on train efficiency will also allow the addition of another two-carriage train for greater capacity," the statement further read.

The Sentosa Express is one of the key modes of transport from mainland Singapore to the Sentosa Island. When the express was first launched in 2007, Hitachi provided six train sets, comprising 12 carriages, together with signalling, power supply, operating systems, track switches, as well as systems design and integration for the service.

"Hitachi is excited to work with SDC once again to provide a better user experience for the Sentosa Express with our CBTC system and new vehicles.

"We have been ensuring safe and effective operation of the Sentosa Express since its launch and this partnership is testament of SDC's recognition in Hitachi's abilities...Hitachi will provide CBTC system not only to Singapore but also to other regions," said Alistair Dormer, CEO of Hitachi Rail Global, Hitachi Ltd.

Meanwhile, Hitachi President and Chief Operations Officer Toshiaki Higashihara, said "there is a particularly strong demand for CBTC in Asean countries".

Hence, the group is planning a dedicated division for such systems at Hitachi Asia, to be set up by April 2015, he told pressmen at the Hitachi Innovation Forum 2014 held here in conjunction with the group's 50th year in the city-state.

Hitachi is also reported to have formed a consortium with East Japan Railway Company, Sumitomo Corp, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd last year to bid for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high speed rail (HSR) project.

Although a tender on the project has yet to be called, reports noted that the consortium, which is keen to bring Japan's bullet-train technology to the ASEAN region, had already made presentations to Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and Singapore's Land Transport Authority.

Asked for updates on this, Higashihara just said, "We will do our best".