Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Updates on Thomson East Coast Line, Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what is the latest progress on (i) the Thomson East Coast Line (TEL) (ii) the Jurong Region Line (JRL) and (iii) the Cross Island Line (CRL); 

b.     how many TEL stations will be opened this year; and 

c.     how has the pandemic affected the construction of TEL, JRL and CRL.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:  

1.     The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruption to material supplies and manpower, hence delaying the construction of our rail projects by up to a year.

2.     That said, the construction works and testing of trains and systems for Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2, or TEL2 for short, have been substantially completed. TEL2 comprises six stations: Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson and Caldecott. It will open in the third quarter of this year. The rest of TEL will progressively open in three stages, from 2022 to 2025.

3.     For the Jurong Region Line, or JRL, construction works for most of the stations and viaducts are underway. Contracts for all the rail systems have been awarded and JRL is scheduled to be completed by 2029.

4.     As for the Cross Island Line, or CRL, construction works have started for Stage 1 of the line. CRL Stage 1 and the CRL – Punggol Extension are scheduled to open in 2030 and 2032 respectively. Details for subsequent stages of the CRL will be announced later, after engineering studies have been completed.

5.     We remain fully committed to our plans to expand the rail network from 230 kilometres today to 360 kilometres in the early 2030s. This will bring our rail network closer to home, work and school for more Singaporeans, increase options for commuters, and enhance network resilience.