LTA to add three stations to Circle Line to boost connectivity in south Singapore

COMMUTERS in Singapore will be able to gain access to direct routes between areas in the west such as Pasir Panjang and Kent Ridge, and key employment areas in the Central Business District (CBD), as well as upcoming projects in the Marina Bay area, when Circle Line 6 (CCL6) is completed in 2025.

Ng Chee Meng, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Acting Minister for Education (Schools), said this on Thursday as he unveiled plans to add a S$3.7 billion 4km CCL6 that comprises three stations - Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward.

The move will close the loop for the Circle Line by connecting HarbourFront Station to Marina Bay Station, and expand the rail network to areas such as Spottiswoode and the southern edge of the current CBD.

When completed, the Circle Line will have 33 stations in all, including 12 interchange stations with other MRT lines.

Commuters travelling from areas such as Paya Lebar and Mountbatten will also gain faster access to the retail and office centres in the HarbourFront area, said the LTA.

Speaking at Tuas Link Station, which is part of the Tuas West extension, Mr Ng said the Circle Line now serves more than 400,000 commuters daily.

With the three new stations, the transportation foundations are being laid for the future redevelopment of the city port area, he added.

Noting that city terminals Tanjong Pagar, Keppel and Brani will be relocated to Tuas after their leases expire in 2027, Mr Ng said this would allow the government to redevelop the area and enlarge the city area footprint.

The opening of CCL6 will catalyse the transformation of the area into the Greater Southern Waterfront, he said, adding that the Tuas West rail extension is on track to open at the end of next year.