LTA’s Latest MRT Map Shows MRT Lines in 2030 & Everyone’s Connected

Last Updated on 2020-02-20 , 9:28 am

I can’t help but wait for 2030 now.

“But why?” you ask. “You’re gonna be so old by then. Like 69!”

Well… old as I may be…

I’ll at least be there to see the fully-fledged MRT map in place, a culmination that will boast three additional lines and three extensions!

New Map, New Singapore

Just recently, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) released the latest MRT map around Singapore.

Lest you can’t decipher this archaeological-looking map, I’ll break it down for you: apart from the five existing lines and three estates that have profited from LRTs, three more lines and three more extensions have been incorporated into the map.

New Lines

Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)

According to LTA, the 43km Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is a joint line between the Thomson Line and the Eastern Region Line and will serve as the addition of 31 new stations to the existing rail network. 7 interchange stations, which will link to the East-West line, North-South line, North-East Line, Circle Line and the Downtown Line, will also be incorporated.

The TEL will be available in stages from 2019 onwards.

Jurong Region Line (JRL)

The 24-kilometre long Jurong Region Line (JRL) will add 24 stations to the existing rail network, including three interchange stations at Boon Lay, Choa Chu Kang and Jurong East MRT stations (which will link to the North-South Line and East-West Line).

The JRL will cater to residents of Choa Chu Kang, Boon Lay, Jurong and future developments in the Tengah area, and open in three stages:

• Phase 1 (2026): JRL (West) comprises 10 stations linking Choa Chu Kang to Boon Lay and Tawas
• Phase 2 (2027): JRL (East) comprises seven stations providing a connection between Tengah and Pandan Reservoir
• Phase 3 (2028): Extensions into NTU in the west and Jurong Pier in the South, finishing the JRL (West) route

Cross Island Line (CRL)

Spanning 50km in length, the Cross Island Line (CRL) is targeted to complete around 2030 and is Singapore’s eighth MRT line as well as the longest fully underground line.

When completed, the CRL, which starts from Changi and passes through Loyang, Pasir Ris, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Timah, Clementi, West Coast, and Jurong, is predicted to garner a daily ridership of at least 600,000 commuters.

The CRL will be constructed in three phases, with the first phase being 29 kilometres long and comprising 12 stations from Aviation Park and Bright Hill, and catering to Residential and industrial areas like Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North, and Ang Mo Kio.

Expected commencement of construction: 2020

Expected completion: 2029

Extension lines

And on the other hand, we have not one, not two, but three extension lines just waiting for completion.

Downtown Line 3 Extension

The Downtown Line, which currently ends at Expo station, will be extended further east by 2025, connecting to the future Thomson-East Coast Line that meanders through Marine Parade and Gardens By The Bay.

The 2.2km line will be due in 2024.

North-East Line Extension

The 2km North-East Line extension will cater to residents of Punggol North, including the new Punggol Downtown. It’s expected to complete by 2023.

Circle Line 6 (CCL6)

You might’ve not noticed, but the Circle Line isn’t actually… circled in the train map just yet.

But it seems that the circle’s finally getting closed, as CCL6 will connect Harbourfront to Marina Bay station and in the process, close things off.

Three new stations, Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road, will be completed in 2025.

And so… 2030?

Sure, we will all be old by then (save for the newborns of today).

But hey, if age’s a compromise to be given for easier access across Singapore…

I think I’m down for it.

So what do you think of the new MRT map that we can all look forward to?