Two new MRT lines being studied; West Coast MRT Extension to proceed
Upon completion, the WCE is going to give residents taking a trip from the West to the city hub with approximately 20 minutes of time savings.
The investment is expected to go towards condition monitoring systems to enable even more proactive and targeted repair, and new solutions to boost the effectiveness and usefulness of rail service. The investment will also help to offer staff training programmes for rail workers.
One of the proposed rail lines, Seletar Line, could serve areas including Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront.
Subject to the outcomes of LTA’s workability studies, the Seletar Line and Tengah Line could be joined, according to a pep talk by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat in parliament on March 5.
The WCE will be executed in 2 phases. The primary phase is expected to expand the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to attach with the CRL by the late 2030s.
In planning for the future project of Singapore’s rail system, Chee also released the state’s intentions to spend up to $1 billion over the succeeding 5 years to maintain high-reliability standards in both newer and outdated train units.
Chee also revealed LTA’s plannings to proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which will prolong the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to attach with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL).
Meanwhile, its 2nd stage intends to extend the JRL from West Coast Stop to link with the CCL’s Kent Ridge Station by the early 2040s.
Two brand-new MRT lines are currently going through feasibility research studies by the Land Transport Authority. The lines are aimed for finalization in the 2040s and can potentially serve more than 400,000 households.
The second, tentatively called the Tengah Line, can supplement the transport network in the west and northwest areas to serve locations such as Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway, and Bukit Merah.
“Jointly, these efforts to expand the rail network, improve the administration of rail assets, and upskill our rail workforce, will enable us to continue providing convenient, reliable and resilient public transport for our travelers,” says LTA.
