Two new MRT lines being studied; West Coast MRT Extension to proceed
One of the recommended rail lines, Seletar Line, can offer areas including Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront.
“Collectively, these initiatives to increase the rail network, improve the administration of rail assets, and upskill our rail workforce, will enable us to continue delivering convenient, reputable and sturdy public transport for our travelers,” says LTA.
In preparing for the future project of Singapore’s rail network, Chee also announced the government’s intentions to spend up to $1 billion over the next 5 years to maintain high-reliability standards in both newer and older train units.
Two new MRT lines are right now going through workability studies by the Land Transport Authority. The lines are aimed for finish in the 2040s and could likely provide greater than 400,000 households.
The second, tentatively called the Tengah Line, can enhance the transport network in the west and northwest locations to serve areas such as Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway, and Bukit Merah.
The investment is expected to go in the direction of condition monitoring systems to enable more proactive and targeted maintenance, and new technologies to improve the performance and usefulness of rail service. The investment will also help to offer workforce training programmes for rail employees.
On the other hand, its 2nd phase intends to extend the JRL from West Coast Station to connect with the CCL’s Kent Ridge Terminal by the very early 2040s.
Upon completion, the WCE will give residents travelling from the West to the city center with up to 20 minutes of time reductions.
Subject to the results of LTA’s workability studies, the Seletar Line and Tengah Line could be joined, according to a speech by Transportation Minister Chee Hong Tat in parliament on March 5.
Chee also released LTA’s plans to proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which will expand the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to attach with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL).
The WCE is going to be implemented in two stages. The initial stage is expected to extend the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to connect with the CRL by the late 2030s.
