Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Cost of Building Cross Island Line and Measures to Ensure Minimal Impact on Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Affordability to Vulnerable Populations

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Transport

a.     what is the cost breakdown of the projected $40.7 billion needed to build the Cross Island Line (CRL);

b.     whether the cost factors in (i) the depth of the tunnelling (ii) environmental protection and (iii) the distance difference between Options 1 and 2;

c.     whether the cost includes buffers for mishaps and the cost of ensuring strict mitigation measures are being carried out for minimal to zero impact on the Central Catchment Nature Reserve;

d.     whether this will mean an even higher cost of transport for public transport users since the CRL is double the cost of the Downtown Line; and

e.     if so, what measures will be put in place to make the cost affordable to vulnerable populations. 

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     Under our rail financing framework, the Government fully pays for the cost of building new rail lines. In other words, we do not recover the cost of building the Cross Island Line (CRL) from commuters through fares. 

2.     The CRL project is being implemented and the final costs will depend on tender bids. It is not our practice to reveal project budget so as not to influence ongoing and future tenders.  

3.     When the tender for the construction of the CRL in the vicinity of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is called, it will clearly specify LTA's requirements for tunnel alignment and depth, as well as the environmental mitigation measures. The latter must be taken in accordance with the project's Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP). The EMMP was rigorously studied and discussed with key stakeholders, including the Nature Groups, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment concluded last year.