The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced plans for the development of two new MRT lines, which are currently undergoing feasibility studies. The targeted completion of these lines is set for the 2040s, making them the latest additions to Singapore’s growing rail network. It is estimated that these lines could potentially serve more than 400,000 households.
One of the proposed lines, the Seletar Line, will serve a wide area including Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront. This will provide convenient access to various commercial, residential, and recreational areas for residents in these regions.
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The second line, tentatively named the Tengah Line, will complement the existing transport network in the west and northwest regions. It will serve areas such as Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway, and Bukit Merah, connecting them to the rest of the island.
According to Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, plans are in place to potentially join the Seletar Line and Tengah Line, subject to the findings of the feasibility studies. This will further enhance connectivity and accessibility for residents in these regions.
In addition, the Land Transport Authority also announced its plans to proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which will extend the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to connect with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL). The WCE will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by the late 2030s, and the second phase by the early 2040s.
Once completed, the WCE will provide residents travelling from the West to the city centre with up to 20 minutes of time savings. This will help to improve overall journey times and reduce congestion on existing transport routes.
To ensure the continued reliability of Singapore’s rail network, the government also announced its plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years. This will go towards maintenance of both newer and older train systems, including the implementation of condition monitoring systems and new technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The investment will also provide workforce training programmes for rail workers.
With these developments, the government aims to provide commuters with convenient, reliable, and resilient public transport services. This is in line with their efforts to constantly improve and expand the rail network, while also ensuring the highest standards of maintenance and efficiency.