The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that it is currently conducting feasibility studies for two new MRT lines, with an estimated completion date in the 2040s. These lines are expected to serve over 400,000 households.
One of the proposed rail lines, known as the Seletar Line, is planned to connect areas such as Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang and the Greater Southern Waterfront. Meanwhile, the second line, tentatively called the Tengah Line, will complement the western and northwestern regions by connecting Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway and Bukit Merah.
In a recent speech, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat revealed that depending on the results of the feasibility studies, the Seletar Line and Tengah Line could be joined. This would provide a more comprehensive public transport network for commuters travelling to and from these areas.
Chee also announced LTA’s plans to move forward with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which will extend the Jurong Region Line (JRL) and connect it to the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL). The WCE will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase connecting the JRL to the CRL by the late 2030s. The second phase will connect the JRL to the CCL’s Kent Ridge Station by the early 2040s.
Upon completion, the WCE is expected to save commuters up to 20 minutes of travel time from the West to the city centre. This is in line with the government’s plans to continually improve and expand the rail network in Singapore.
In addition, LTA has announced its intention to invest up to $1 billion in the next five years to maintain high-reliability standards for existing and new train systems. The investment will go towards condition monitoring systems, new technologies and training programmes for rail workers, all of which aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance work and provide a better experience for commuters.
“With these efforts to expand the rail network, improve the management of rail assets, and train our rail workforce, we aim to continue providing convenient, reliable and resilient public transport for our commuters,” says LTA.