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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has commenced feasibility studies for two new MRT lines. These lines, expected to be completed in the 2040s, aim to serve more than 400,000 households.
The first proposed line, known as the Seletar Line, will serve areas such as Woodlands, Sembawang, Sengkang West, Serangoon North, Whampoa, Kallang and the Greater Southern Waterfront. The second, tentatively named the Tengah Line, will complement the existing transport network in the west and northwest regions by serving areas like Tengah, Bukit Batok, Queensway and Bukit Merah.
According to a speech by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat in parliament on March 5, the Seletar Line and Tengah Line may eventually be connected, pending the results of LTA’s feasibility studies.
Minister Chee also announced LTA’s plans to proceed with the West Coast Extension (WCE), which will extend the Jurong Region Line (JRL) to connect with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL). The WCE will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, expected to be completed by the late 2030s, will extend the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to connect with the CRL. The second phase aims to extend the JRL from West Coast Station to connect with the CCL’s Kent Ridge Station by the early 2040s.
Once completed, the WCE will allow residents travelling from the West to the city centre to save up to 20 minutes of travel time.
In anticipation of future developments, Minister Chee also announced the government’s intention to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years to maintain high standards of reliability in both newer and older train systems.
This investment will go towards implementing condition monitoring systems, adopting new technologies for more efficient maintenance, and providing training programmes for rail workers. According to LTA, these efforts to expand the rail network, improve the management of rail assets and enhance the skills of rail workers will ensure convenient, reliable and resilient public transport for commuters.