Commuters on the North-South and East-West MRT lines can expect upgraded escalators at older stations from the third quarter of this year.

Refurbishment works will be completed on 233 escalators at 42 of the 54 stations along the two lines by 2021. This is the first major upgrade of escalators on these lines since the MRT started operations in 1987.

Manufacturer Otis Singapore announced yesterday that it was awarded a US$33.8 million (S$48.3 million) contract for the project.

Otis said the upgraded escalators will have "higher- efficiency machines" and "energy-saving controllers" that make them more energy-efficient.

These features allow the escalators to operate at different speeds and better cater to passenger traffic during different periods of the day, it added.

Otis Singapore managing director Greg Nagle said his firm will work closely with SMRT to ensure that any inconvenience to commuters will be minimised.

The 42 stations that will receive upgrades include Jurong East and Raffles Place.

Escalators at the remaining 12 stations - five on the East-West Line and seven on the North-South Line - will not be affected as the stations and their equipment are newer.

Unaffected stations include Changi Airport, Joo Koon, Marina South Pier and Kranji.

A spokesman for SMRT said the transport operator would be able to provide more information on the upgrading works closer to the date.

Zhaki Abdullah