Two new MRT lines being studied; West Coast MRT Extension to proceed
Two brand-new MRT lines are at the moment undergoing feasibility researches by the Land Transport Authority. The lines are targeted for completion in the 2040s and could possibly provide more than 400,000 households.
The next, tentatively called the Tengah Line, might supplement the transport network in the west and northwest areas to offer locations such as Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway, and Bukit Merah.
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.
“Together, these initiatives to increase the rail network, improve the administration of rail assets, and upskill our rail workforce, will allow us to continue delivering helpful, reliable and long-lasting public transportation for our commuters,” says LTA.
The investment is anticipated to go towards condition monitoring systems to enable more proactive and targeted management, and brand-new solutions to enhance the effectiveness and efficacy of rail maintenance. The investment will certainly also help to provide employees training programmes for rail employees.
On the other hand, its second phase aims to expand the JRL from West Coast Stop to link with the CCL’s Kent Ridge Station by the very early 2040s.
Chee also revealed LTA’s plans to proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), that will extend the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to attach with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL).
In preparing for the long term development of Singapore’s rail system, Chee also disclosed the authorities’s intentions to spend up to $1 billion over the succeeding 5 years to maintain high-reliability standards in both latest and outdated train units.
Subject to the results of LTA’s workability researches, the Seletar Line and Tengah Line might be joined, according to a speech by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat in parliament on March 5.
The WCE will be implemented in 2 phases. The first stage is expected to extend the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to attach with the CRL by the late 2030s.
Upon finish, the WCE will provide residents travelling from the West to the city centre with as much as 20 mins of time savings.
