The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently conducting feasibility studies for two proposed MRT lines. These new lines, which are expected to be completed in the 2040s, may potentially serve over 400,000 households.
One of the proposed lines, the Seletar Line, is planned to run through Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront. Meanwhile, the second line, temporarily named the Tengah Line, aims to supplement the transport network in the west and northwest regions by serving areas such as Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway, and Bukit Merah.
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat mentioned in a speech to parliament on March 5 that the Seletar Line and Tengah Line could potentially be connected, depending on the results of LTA’s feasibility studies. He also announced that LTA will proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which extends 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 connecting Pandan Reservoir Station to the CRL by the late 2030s. The second phase aims to connect the West Coast Station to the CCL’s Kent Ridge Station by the early 2040s. This extension will provide residents travelling from the West with time savings of up to 20 minutes when going to the city centre.
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In addition to these plans for new MRT lines, Chee also announced the government’s intentions to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years to maintain high-reliability standards for both newer and older train systems. This investment will go towards condition monitoring systems, new technologies to improve rail maintenance, and workforce training programmes for rail workers.
LTA believes that these efforts to expand the rail network, enhance asset management, and train the workforce will ensure convenient, reliable, and resilient public transport for commuters in the future.