In Parliament
Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Possibility of Operationalising Thomson-East Coast MRT Line Ahead of Schedule
11 February 2019
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Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport
a. whether the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line will be operational ahead of schedule; and
b. whether an extension can be made for the Line to connect to Pasir Ris and Punggol to provide additional conveniences and connectivity to residents from the north east.
Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:
1. The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is scheduled to open in stages, starting from December this year. We expect to fully open TEL by 2024. Constructing a rail line is a complex operation. The implementation timelines are carefully planned to ensure safety is not compromised. It is unlikely that we can expedite the opening of the TEL further.
2. There is no plan to extend the TEL to Pasir Ris and Punggol. However, LTA is studying the feasibility of extending the proposed Cross Island Line (CRL) to serve these areas. Engineering studies for the Pasir Ris – Punggol stretch of the CRL are ongoing.