The first phase of the Cross Island Line (CRL) was announced on 25 January 2019. The CRL, which will open in phases from 2029, is Singapore’s eighth MRT line and its longest fully underground line.
At a visit to the work site of Bright Hill MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed the twelve stations comprising the Cross Island Line (Phase 1), four of which are interchange stations with existing lines. They are:
- CR2 Aviation Park
- CR3 Loyang
- CR4 Pasir Ris East
- CR5EW1 Pasir Ris
- CR6 Tampines North
- CR7 Defu
- CR8NE14 Hougang
- CR9 Serangoon North
- CR10 Tavistock
- CR11NS16 Ang Mo Kio
- CR12 Teck Ghee
- CR13TE7 Bright Hill
The interchange stations will connect with the at East West Line at Pasir Ris, North East Line at Hougang, North South Line at Ang Mo Kio and the Thomson-East Coast Line at Bright Hill. The station footprints have also been released by the LTA. The station code “CR1” is reserved for a future extension towards Changi Airport.
First announced in January 2013, the Cross Island Line will connect with all radial lines, with 13 interchange stations along its 30-odd station alignment significantly enhancing the connectivity of the rail network. In addition, it will provide an important rail link between the Central, North-East and Western regions.
Rolling Stock
The line is designed to accommodate 8-car trains, making them the longest MRT trains in Singapore, but will operate with six-car trains initially.
Depots
Changi East Depot will be built at the east end of Aviation Park Road to serve the Cross Island Line. The 57-hectare at-grade rail depot is expected to be able to accommodate 80 CRL trains. Initial plans for an underground train depot were shelved for cost-saving reasons.
What’s next for the CRL?
The rest of the Cross Island Line is expected to be announced at a later date. This will include:
- Confirmed alignment underneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (see: Cross Island Line FAQ)
- Stations and alignment from Bright Hill to Tuas (likely ending at Gul Circle)
- Stations and alignment from Pasir Ris to Punggol (Branch line)
- Rail Depot in Tuas (previously announced as the site of the former Raffles Country Club/Golf Course)
Affected Properties
Properties being affected by partial acquisitions are:
- Kong Meng San Monastery in Bright Hill
- Ang Mo Kio Hub
- Gain City Best-Electric (Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2)
- Daikin Airconditioning (Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2)
- Loyang Industrial Park
- Hitachi Chemical (Loyang Way)
- An electrical substation in Loyang Avenue
- Loyang Valley Condominium (Loyang Avenue)
The land affected will total 4,508 sqm, but no buildings on the properties will be affected. Only ancillary features will be affected and no relocation will be required.
In addition, Hougang Central Bus Interchange is expected to be partially relocated to facilitate construction.
Station Footprints
External Links & References
- Cross Island Line – LTA
- Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Express Trains on New MRT Lines – Ministry of Transport
- First phase of Cross Island MRT line finalised; will have 12 stations – Straits Times
- First phase of Cross Island Line to open by 2029: Khaw Boon Wan – ChannelNewsAsia
- Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & SLA – Cross Island Line 1: New Links by 2029 – LTA
Back to Cross Island Line
I can’t wait to take the cross island line phase 1 from Ang Mo Kio to Hougang.
Will Tampiness North MRT have an exit to the Pasir Ris side for commuters , e.g. to be able to walk to Elias Road from the new MRT ?
The Eastern Part Of Singapore Serves 4 Mass Rapid Transit Train Lines: East West Line / Downtown Line / Thomson East Coast Line And Cross Island Line.
Most lines seem to serve the east side. Maybe it is just me.
Based on the geography, east side covers a wider land area and hence is more urbanised.
Not true. West have JRL, EWL, NSL and CRL. Maybe North as it only has NSL and TEL, RTS Link (not counted).
Why no Changi village station? These facilities nearby
Unless propose CRL branch line extension connecting Changi Village to Pasir Ris and Punggol directly (change at Pasir Ris to main CRL)