North East MRT line

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For the standard gauge railway line in Victoria, Australia, see North East railway line.
MRT Singapore Destination 6.svg MRT Singapore Destination 7.svg
North East line
North East Line logo.svg
NE17 Punggol MRT Platform A Alstom C751C 20210827 100845.jpg
Alstom Metropolis C751C train at Punggol station
Overview
Native nameLaluan MRT Timur Laut
东北地铁线
வடக்கு கிழக்கு எம்ஆர்டி வழி
StatusOperational
Under construction (Punggol Coast)
OwnerLand Transport Authority
LocaleSingapore
TerminiHarbourFront
Punggol
Punggol Coast (2024)
Stations16[a]
1 (Under construction)
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemMass Rapid Transit (Singapore)
Services1
Operator(s)SBS Transit (ComfortDelGro Corporation)
Depot(s)Sengkang
Rolling stockC751A
C751C
C851E (Future)
Daily ridership230,852 (July 2021)[1]
History
Planned opening2024; 3 years' time (2024) (Punggol Coast)
Opened20 June 2003; 18 years ago (2003-06-20)
15 January 2006; 15 years ago (2006-01-15) (Buangkok)
20 June 2011; 10 years ago (2011-06-20) (Woodleigh)
Technical
Line length20 km (12 mi) (Operational)
1.6 km (0.99 mi) (Under construction)
CharacterFully Underground
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification1,500 V DC Overhead catenary
Operating speedlimit of 90 km/h (56 mph)
Route map

Legend
 NE18 
Punggol Coast
Sungei Punggol
■
Punggol LRT
West loop│East loop
 NE17 
 PTC 
 CP4 
Punggol
■ Cross Island line to Pasir Ris
■
Punggol LRT
West loop│East loop
Tampines Expressway
■
Sengkang LRT
West loop│East loop
 NE16 
 STC 
Sengkang
■
Sengkang LRT
West loop│East loop
Sengkang Depot
 NE15 
Buangkok
 NE14 
Hougang
 CR8 
■
Cross Island line
to Bright Hill│to Aviation Park
 NE13 
Kovan
 CC13 
■
Circle line
to Botanic Gardens│to Promenade
 NE12 
Serangoon
 NE11 
Woodleigh
 NE10 
Potong Pasir
Pan Island Expressway
Kallang River
Sungei Whampoa
 NE9 
Boon Keng
 NE8 
Farrer Park
 NE7 
Little India
 DT12 
■ Downtown line to Bukit Panjang
 NE6 
Dhoby Ghaut
 CC1 
■ Circle line to Promenade
 NS24 
■
North South
line
← to Jurong East
to Marina South Pier →
Singapore River
 NE5 
Clarke Quay
 DT19 
■ Downtown line to Expo
 NE4 
Chinatown
 TE17 
■
Thomson-East
Coast line
← to Woodlands North
to Gardens by the Bay →
 EW16 
■
East West line
to Tuas Link│to Pasir Ris
 NE3 
Outram Park
Ayer Rajah Expressway
 NE1 
HarbourFront Singapore Cruise Centre Singapore Cable Car Sentosa Express
 CC29 
■
Circle line
to Botanic Gardens│to Promenade
This diagram:
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The North East MRT line (NEL) is a high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore. Operated by SBS Transit, it is the shortest MRT line at only 20 kilometres (12 mi). The line runs from HarbourFront station in southern Singapore to Punggol station in the northeast, serving 16 stations via Chinatown, Little India, Serangoon and Hougang. Coloured purple on official maps, it is the country's and world's first fully automated underground rail line.

The third MRT line in Singapore, the conceptualisation of the line began in the 1980s and 90s. The line was planned to alleviate traffic congestion on the roads leading to the northeast suburbs. The alignment and stations were finalised in 1996. Completed at a cost of S$5 billion, the line began operations on 20 June 2003, with the exception of two stations. Buangkok station opened on 15 January 2006, and Woodleigh station began operations in 2011. A one-station extension to Punggol Coast station is under construction and expected to be completed in 2024.

Being driverless, the line adopts the moving-block Alstom Urbalis 300 CBTC signalling system. Two rolling stocks supplied by Alstom – C751A and C751C – runs the line, and are powered by an overhead catenary system. The NEL also saw the launch of the Art-in-Transit programme, with 18 artworks displayed across the 16 stations.

History[]

Conceptualisation and plans[]

The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) first proposed an additional MRT line serving the northeastern areas of Punggol and Jalan Kayu in September 1984.[2] In its preliminary studies, the Communications Ministry concluded that roads would be insufficient to serve the future housing estates that will be built in the 21st century. Plans for the line were developed early to determine the parcels of land needed for the line's construction, so as to minimise the impact on other developments.[3] In December, a British consultant firm was appointed to look into possible routes for the line.[4]

In March 1986, the British firm drew up a tentative route, beginning from Outram Park and terminating in Punggol. The line would interchange with the existing MRT system at Dhoby Ghaut station and pass through Kandang Kerbau and Hougang, paralleling the major roads of Serangoon Road and Upper Serangoon Road. A branch line was also proposed from Hougang to Jalan Kayu. The segment of the line in the city would be underground, while the portion after Braddell Road would be elevated.[5] The MRTC, which approved the project in October,[6] had proposed for the line to be linked with Bishan Depot, which would maintain and service trains running on the future line.[7] In February 1991, it was further proposed to extend the line to Pulau Tekong via Pulau Ubin. The extension would serve future residential and industrial developments outlined in the long-term plans for these islands.[8]

Delay in implementation[]

While the NEL was approved "in principle" in January 1989 by the government, Communications Minister Yeo Ning Hong said that the line's construction would depend on the developments in the northeast.[9] The Woodlands line extension,[b] which cost S$1.35 billion (US$0.7 billion), took precedence over the S$4.3 billion (US$2.4 billion) NEL. Yeo's successor, Mah Bow Tan, had explained that given the low population of the northeast area, it would not be financially viable to build the line compared to the Woodlands extension.[11] Mah had also earlier explained in 1992 that the Woodlands extension was built because, unlike the northeast, plans were already "firmed up" for developments in Woodlands. Mah announced that the line would be built when housing developments in the northeast were completed.[12] The four Members of Parliament (MPs) in the northeast, however, have called for the line to be built earlier, stating that there will be sufficient demand given the population of the area. They added that the MRT line will resolve the traffic congestion in the area.[11]

Reviewing the line's feasibility,[13] the Communications Ministry stated in 1995 that if construction works for the line were to proceed at the time, it could be completed in 2002. However, the line, projected to cost S$5 billion (US$3.5 billion), would operate at a loss of S$250 million (US$176.4 million) during its first four years of operation, with lower daily passenger numbers of 240,000. Nevertheless, the Communications Ministry have recommended to the Cabinet to construct the line due to "wider benefits" such as enhanced travelling time and reduced reliance on cars for Singaporeans.[14]

There's no question about our desire or willingness to bring this extension forward. I believe it's worth the effort. It's worth doing. I believe residents will show their commitment and willingness to help us bring the gap in operating costs.

– Mah Bow Tan, during his engagement with the grassroots leaders at Punggol Community Club on 22 October 1995.[15]

Due to the line's higher costs and the projected deficit, Mah, in his engagements with the grassroots leaders in October, suggested that the residents would have to be prepared to pay higher fares on the NEL to cover the initial losses. The decision was divisive among the leaders. Some felt it would be unfair for the residents, while others were confident that the residents would be willing "to pay for a better quality of life". It has been suggested to raise fares for the entire network but Mah replied that it would be more difficult to apply such a principle. During the engagements, Mah assured the leaders that the government is willing to bring the line's construction forward and that he would make the recommendation to the government for the line to be constructed.[15][16]

The 1996 White Paper, unveiled in January 1996, outlined that the NEL would be built earlier to address congestion on the northeast corridor, which would also be enhanced by express bus services.[17][18] Shortly after on 19 January, during the debate on the White Paper, the government announced it has decided to build the NEL "immediately".[19]

Construction and opening[]

Exterior of Punggol
Punggol station's construction was brought forward to serve the new developments in the area

The 16 NEL stations and their locations were announced in March 1996.[20] Many residents and politicians welcomed the announcement, as the line was expected to relief traffic congestion, improve transport connections in the northeast and stimulate developments around the station sites.[21][22] 13 civil contracts for the trackwork and construction of the stations, Sengkang Depot and associated tunnels were awarded at a total sum of S$2.8 billion (US$1.9 billion). 16 more contracts related to electrical and mechanical works were awarded at a total sum of S$1 billion (US$3.5 billion).[23]

To construct the line, 20 ha (49 acres) of private land had to be acquired, while 43 ha (110 acres) of government land were returned to the State.[20] Several rental HDB blocks, private homes and shophouses have to be acquired,[24] which dismayed many affected residents.[25] Those who were only notified to move in July have requested more time to seek new premises.[26] Construction of the line began with a groundbreaking ceremony at Farrer Park station on 25 November 1997.[27][28] In May 1999, SBS Transit (then Singapore Bus Service Ltd) was appointed to operate the line along with the Sengkang and Punggol LRT systems. With bus operations in the area handed over from Trans-Island Bus Services (TIBS) to the newly appointed operator, SBS then had control over both bus and rail services in the northeast, allowing for inter-modal integration the government aimed for.[29][30]

When the 16 stations were announced, Potong Pasir (then named Sennett), Woodleigh and Punggol were not to be built along with the other stations due to the lack of developments around the stations' sites at the time.[31] The construction of Punggol station was brought forward to serve the upcoming Punggol 21 developments.[32][33] The decision not to build and open Sennett Station, however, has generated political controversy, with claims by residents and opposition MP Chiam See Tong that the station would only open if the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has secured the constituency.[34][35] In 2002, through a revised study on ridership numbers, the government decided to open the station along with the other NEL stations due to projected developments around the site. It was also decided to rename the station to its present name.[36]

The NEL was initially expected to be completed by the end of 2002,[37][38] with various SBS staff being trained on train maintenance and the various technical aspects of the fully automated system.[39] However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in September 2002 stated that the line might be opened later in April 2003 to allow sufficient time for tests on the line.[40] The line's systems were handed over to SBS Transit on 16 December, with the operator carrying out further tests.[41] Due to a glitch in the signalling system, however, the NEL's opening had to be delayed further to June, with tests briefly being handed over to the LTA.[42] As it had to bear the cost of maintenance and manpower, SBS Transit has sought compensation from the government for the delay.[43]

With the exception of two stations (Buangkok and Woodleigh),[44] the NEL commenced operations on 20 June 2003.[45] About 140,000 people visited and took the NEL on its opening day. Many who visited were impressed by the comfort and fast speed of the new line. However, two delays occurred on the opening day. A train, stalled between Boon Keng and Potong Pasir, had to be manually steered to Farrer Park. Another train failed to depart Dhoby Ghaut station as it believed a set of doors remained open, and hence was pulled from service.[46] The line had an official opening ceremony on 28 August.[47]

Since its opening, while there were a few glitches, the line has been very reliable and generally well-received by commuters, with operations running smoothly.[48] In July, the International Association of Public Transport has heralded the NEL as a model public transport system for the future, with other driverless systems being planned around the world.[49] In June 2004, SBS Transit reported that it only has one 15-minute delay every 6 weeks, compared to the expected twice-a-week delay.[50]

Opening of reserved stations[]

Main articles: Buangkok MRT station and Woodleigh MRT station
Buangkok station entrance
An entrance to Buangkok MRT station in August 2006, shortly after its opening

On 17 June 2003, operator SBS Transit announced that two stations – Woodleigh and Buangkok – would not open along with the other NEL stations. Due to the lack of developments, the operator stated that keeping the stations closed would reduce operating costs by S$2-3 million.[51] The sudden decision to keep Buangkok station closed has upset many residents living around the station, who were assured by MPs and grassroots leaders that the station would open.[52][53]

The government initially stood by SBS Transit's decision to keep the station closed, with plans to open the station only in 2006 when there are more residential flats built in the area.[47][54] It was further pushed to 2008 as projected through the housing development plans for the area.[55] With public pressure and the residents' promise to use the station,[56] it was announced at the end of 2005 to open the station on 15 January the year after.[57][58]

The station opened "with much fanfare", with various activities, including a walk-a-jog, organised for the opening event.[59][60] Since its opening, however, the station only had a ridership of 1,386 out of the expected 6,000.[61] Many residents still travel to the adjacent stations of Sengkang and Hougang due to the amenities around these stations.[62] Nevertheless, SBS Transit, after stating that it was still "too early to draw a conclusion" on the ridership,[61] remained committed to keeping the station open for it to serve future developments around it.[62]

Woodleigh station, built near the former Bidadari cemetery,[63] was set to be opened only about seven or eight years after the NEL opening.[64][65] In January 2011, The Straits Times have reported that preparations for the station's opening were ongoing since the second half of 2010, with speculations that the station would open in the middle of that year to serve new developments in the area.[66] In a parliament session in March, Transport Minister Raymond Lim confirmed that Woodleigh station would open on 20 June 2011.[67] On the opening day, however, several commuters, intending to alight at the adjacent Serangoon station, were unaware that the station had opened and alighted at Woodleigh by accident. The operator had to deploy several staff to assist the confused commuters. Other curious commuters alighted to view the station interior or try an alternative route from the station.[68][69]

North East Line extension (NELe)[]

Main article: Punggol Coast MRT station

In January 2013, the LTA announced that the NEL would be extended by one station to serve the upcoming developments in Punggol North.[70] While it was initially planned to extend the line by 2030,[71][72] second minister for transport Ng Chee Meng announced in June 2017 that the 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) extension would be brought forward to 2023 to be line with development plans for the area.[73][74][75]

The contract for the construction of the extension was awarded in December,[76] and construction began that month.[77] While tunneling works were completed in November 2020, transport minister Ong Ye Kung announced that Punggol Coast station's completion would be delayed to 2024 due to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic.[78][79]

Network and operations[]

Services[]

Map of NEL
Geographically accurate route of the NEL

As of July 2021, the NEL has a daily ridership of 230,852.[1] The NEL generally operates between 5:30 am and 12:30 am daily. On weekdays and Saturdays, the first train on the line departs from the northern terminus Punggol at 5.42 am, while the last train on the line departs from the southern terminus HarbourFront at 11:56 pm.[80] Trains on the NEL runs every 2.5 to 5 minutes.[81] From one end of the line to another, the total travel time is 32 minutes.[82]

The NEL initially had a higher fare structure compared to the North South and East West lines due to the higher operating costs.[83] Since 30 December 2016, however, through a fare review by the Public Transport Council, fares on the NEL has been lowered to match the other modes of transport under a "purely distance-based approach". This revision was to minimise confusion for commuters.[84][85]

The NEL is the first line to be operated by SBS Transit.[30] Since 2018, the NEL has transited into the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF). Previously, the operator, being the owner of the rail assets, had to bear the full cost for maintaining and upgrading trains and the signalling system. Under the NRFF, the LTA and SBS Transit will share the profits and financial risks in operating the line, with LTA taking control of the operating assets from 1 April. SBS Transit will operate the line under a 15-year license that is set to expire on 31 March 2033.[86]

Route[]

As the name implies, the fully-underground 20-kilometre (12 mi) North East line runs from Singapore's city centre to the northeastern parts of the island.[87] Beginning at HarbourFront station,[88] the line goes in a northeast direction, paralleling the New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street in Chinatown between Outram Park and Clarke Quay stations.[89] Passing underneath the Singapore River and Fort Canning Hill to Dhoby Ghaut station,[90] the NEL continues north to Little India station, cutting underneath Bukit Timah Road.[91] Following Race Course Road and Serangoon Road through Little India and Boon Keng,[92] it cuts through Whampoa River and Kallang River before reaching Potong Pasir.[93]

Between the Potong Pasir and Kovan stations, the line parallels Upper Serangoon Road before curving north to Hougang station.[94] The line then runs along Hougang Avenue 6 and Sengkang Central to Sengkang station in Sengkang and further extends to Punggol station in Punggol town, where the line terminates.[95] The NEL will continue to curve towards Punggol Coast station in 2024.[96]

Stations[]

The 20-kilometre (12 mi) line serves 16 underground stations from HarbourFront to Punggol. Six of the stations interchanges with other MRT lines.[97] It is coloured purple on official maps.[98] Punggol Coast, the 17th station on the line, will open in 2024.[99] A reserved station "NE2" between the HarbourFront and Outram Park stations is slated to be built in the future depending on the developments between the two stations.[100]

Station code Name Image Interchange and notes
 NE1  CC29  HarbourFront NE1 HarbourFront MRT platforms 20201030 162302.jpg Interchange with the Circle line
 NE3  EW16  TE17  Outram Park NE3 Outram Park MRT platforms 20210201 133314.jpg Interchange with the East West line and the Thomson-East Coast line (2022)
 NE4  DT19  Chinatown NE4 Chinatown MRT platforms 20201017 150247.jpg Interchange with the Downtown line
 NE5  Clarke Quay NE5 Clarke Quay MRT Exit A 20201101 144608.jpg  
 NE6  NS24  CC1  Dhoby Ghaut NE6 Dhoby Ghaut MRT platforms 20210409 142829.jpg Interchange with the North South and Circle lines
 NE7  DT12  Little India NE7 Little India NEL station.jpg Interchange with the Downtown line
 NE8  Farrer Park NE8 Farrer Park MRT Platforms 20201002 165554.jpg  
 NE9  Boon Keng NE9 Boon Keng MRT Exit A 20201002 174715.jpg  
 NE10  Potong Pasir NE10 Potong Pasir MRT Platform A 20201201 165328.jpg  
 NE11  Woodleigh NE11 Woodleigh MRT platforms 20201030 141256.jpg
 NE12  CC13  Serangoon NE12 CC13 Serangoon MRT Exit A 20210113 131203.jpg Interchange with the Circle line
 NE13  Kovan NE13 Kovan MRT Exit B 20201205 111324.jpg  
 NE14  CR8  Hougang NE14 Hougang MRT Platforms 20201128 111900.jpg Interchange with the Cross Island line (2030)
 NE15  Buangkok NE15 Buangkok MRT 20201020 080807.jpg
 NE16  STC  Sengkang NE16 Sengkang NEL platforms 20200721 110351.jpg Interchange with the Sengkang LRT
 NE17  PTC  CP4  Punggol NE17 Punggol MRT Platform B 20201223 130016.jpg Interchange with the Punggol LRT and Cross Island line (2032)
NEL extension (under construction, to be ready by 2024)
 NE18  Punggol Coast NE18 Punggol Coast NEL tunnels construction site at Sam Kee.jpg Under construction

[101]

Infrastructure[]

Rolling stock[]

Alstom Metropolis trains stabled in Sengkang Depot
The NEL is the only line that uses an overhead catenary electrification system

A fleet of 43 trains manufactured by Alstom serves the NEL.[102] The 25 first-generation Alstom Metropolis trains were supplied under contract C751A,[23][103] while an additional fleet of 18 trains was supplied under contract C751C.[104] The C751C trains, which are a modern version of the first-generation trains,[105] were delivered to Singapore from July 2014.[106] An additional fleet of six trains, also manufactured by Alstom, were purchased in May 2018 for the NELe.[107] The trains run in a six-car formation.[102]

The C751A trains are fully automatic and controlled by an Operations Control Centre (OCC) at Sengkang Depot. The efficient brakes allow smoother and quieter braking for trains.[108] Train speeds can reach up to 100 km/h (62 mph).[109] Various safety features are installed, such as Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) for monitoring the trains' interiors, and a passenger emergency communication system that allows communication between passengers and the OCC.[108] The trains are spacious with wider seats and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.[110]

The train, which is made of fire-resistant materials, also has fire and smoke detectors and a fire barrier underneath the frame.[109] The trains have a pair of beams (rail guards) that detects obstacles in their path. While smaller debris could be swept away, the train would automatically stop should the beams detect larger objects.[111] A 1500V Overhead Catenary System (OCS) powers the trains,[c] the first such electrical system on the MRT network. The OCS allows a safer environment for maintenance workers on the tracks while being cost-effective with a smaller conductor.[113] In case of emergencies, the doors at both sides of the train can be opened easily (only when the train is stationary) without the need for electricity, with the ramps lowered for passenger evacuation into the tunnels.[114][115]

The first-generation trains are undergoing a mid-life refurbishment that begun in the first quarter of 2019 and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024.[103] The upgrades include replacements of interior parts and the installation of a new condition monitoring system that will monitor the train's performance.[116]

Alongside the passenger trains, the NEL rail tunnels and tracks are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The four types of engineering trains are: the locomotive, for towing wagons with equipment; the heavy crane vehicle, for changing tracks; the multi-functional vehicle, for detecting flaws on the rails and tunnel structures; and the rail-grinding machine, for grinding rails "back into shape".[117] These trains are manufactured by Plasser & Theurer, Speno International and Harsco Track Technologies.[118]

Depot[]

The Sengkang Depot, located along Sengkang East Avenue, is the service and storage area for NEL trains.[119] It is between the Buangkok and Sengkang stations.[120][121] Built by Hyundai Engineering and Construction at S$350 million (US$235.72 million),[122] the 27 ha (67 acres) depot include the OCC[123] which monitor the trains' and stations' operations on the line.[124]

The NEL depot is able to accommodate up to 44 trains.[124] Three additional stabling tracks are being built at the depot for the NELe.[112] The depot also houses LRT trains for the Sengkang and Punggol LRT lines above the NEL depot.[123][125]

The facilities at the depot include the four-storey administrative building, maintenance bays, a workshop and a fully automated warehouse. The depot workshop has equipment with the ability to lift up an entire train for repairs – the first such workshop in Singapore. Utilising the NEL signalling system, train movement in the depot is mostly automatic. Staff members access the area via three dedicated tunnels for safety reasons.[126]

The OCC, the "nerve centre" of the NEL, also controls the equipment and systems of tunnels, stations, power substations and the depot, which are all integrated into one terminal. The systems are managed by four to five rotating teams working 24/7. Alongside a training and software development room, the OCC has a depot control centre to monitor and supervise operations in the depot.[124][127]

Signalling[]

The NEL is a fully automatic rapid transit line[128] utilising the moving-block signalling system Urbalis 300 provided by Alstom. Automatic Train Control (ATC) for the line is based on Alstom's MASTRIA software, which also manages the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) for the line. The Urbalis system also includes the Computer-based Interlocking system that controls the track switches and interfaces with the ATC and the Data Management System. The DMS oversees the signalling equipment, platform screen doors and trains, monitored by station staff.[109]

The ATP system maintains a buffer between trains that prevents them from getting too close to one another.[129] The minimum distance allowed is 30 metres (98 ft), though the average distance between trains is at least 600 metres (2,000 ft).[111] Using microwave technology, the IAGO waveguide, which allows two-way communication between the trains and the track tubes emitting the microwaves, monitors the trains' positions and movements. If a train were to enter the buffer, the ATP would automatically adjust the train speed accordingly.[129]

At least 500 computer systems control the various aspects of the NEL. Should there be a glitch, backup systems would take over. The system would "go to sleep" should it experience a severe malfunction. In the case of system failure, drivers would be deployed to take manual control over the trains.[115][128] The reliability of the signalling system ensured that the line maintained its “mean kilometres between failures” target of one million train-km. As part of the NEL refurbishment programme announced in December 2018, parts of the power and signalling systems were being renewed, along with the installation of new rail crossings and tracks. These renewal programmes are to ensure the line's continued reliability even as it ages.[116]

Safety and accessibility[]

Automatic platform screen doors supplied by Westinghouse provide safety for passengers, offering protection from arriving and departing trains.[130]

See also[]

  • List of driverless trains

Notes and references[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ excluding reserved station for NE2
  2. ^ The North South line segment from the Yew Tee to Sembawang stations[10]
  3. ^ The NELe will use the overhead conductor rail supplied by Siemens instead of the OCS.[112]

References[]

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  3. ^ "Study into MRT north-east line". The Straits Times. 26 September 1984. p. 44. Archived from the original on 25 December 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2021 – via NewspaperSG.
  4. ^ "British team selected". The Straits Times. 7 December 1984. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021 – via NewspaperSG.
  5. ^ "Serangoon and Hougang may be next on MRT line". The Straits Times. 30 March 1986. p. 10. Archived from the original on 25 December 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2021 – via NewspaperSG.
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  7. ^ "Land to be set aside for Punggol extension". The Straits Times. 7 April 1987. p. 1. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021 – via NewspaperSG.
  8. ^ "Long term development plans for Tekong and Ubin revealed". The Straits Times. 24 February 1991. p. 16.
  9. ^ "North-easterly MRT route will depend on demand". The Straits Times. 21 January 1989. p. 20. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021 – via NewspaperSG.
  10. ^ "Woodlands MRT line | Infopedia". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. National Library Board. Archived from the original on 1 January 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "N-E Line still on the horizon". The Straits Times. 15 May 1993. p. 16.
  12. ^ "MRT link to N-E when enough people live there". The Straits Times. 16 January 1992. p. 26.
  13. ^ "MRTC to update its plans for north-east sector, link to airport". The Straits Times. 6 September 1994. p. 18.
  14. ^ "North East MRT Line to cost up to $5b". The Straits Times. 15 July 1995. p. 2.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b "Govt wants to speed up construction: Mah". The Straits Times. 23 October 1995.
  16. ^ "Mah's poser: Will users pay more to get it faster?". The Straits Times. 9 October 1995.
  17. ^ "Govt spells out its vision of top transport system". The Straits Times. 3 January 1996.
  18. ^ White paper: A World Class Land Transport System (PDF). Land Transport Authority (LTA). pp. 45–46. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Immediate Start for north-east line". The Straits Times. 20 January 1996. p. 1.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b "16 MRT stations for 20-km North-East line". The Straits Times. 5 March 1996. p. 1.
  21. ^ "Residents in N-E corridor happy with station sites". The Straits Times. 6 March 1996. p. 16.
  22. ^ "Line a relief to people and boon for commerce". The Straits Times. 6 March 1996.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b "Projects – Rail". LTA. 9 February 2004. Archived from the original on 9 February 2004. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  24. ^ Leong 2003, p. 33.
  25. ^ "They have to move to make way for the MRT line". The Straits Times. 6 March 1996. p. 17.
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Bibliography[]

  • Leong, Chan Teik (2003). Getting there : The story of the North East Line. Singapore: Land Transport Authority. ISBN 981-04-5886-X. OCLC 53383062.
  • Tan, Su (2003). Art in transit : North East Line MRT. Singapore: Land Transport Authority. ISBN 981-04-7384-2. OCLC 52771106.

External links[]

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