Thomson-East Coast Line: Stage 4 set to open with 7 new stations on 23 June, with free public preview on 21 June
New 10.8km stretch connects to first three stages of TEL, and could save up to 50 per cent of travelling time for commuters
SINGAPORE — Passenger service on the fourth stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) from Tanjong Rhu to Bayshore is set to begin on 23 June, with the public able to enjoy a free preview on 21 June to familiarise with the new stations.
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said during his ministry's Committee of Supply budget debate in Parliament on Tuesday (5 March) that the new stretch, spanning 10.8 kilometres, will feature seven new MRT stations: Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, and Bayshore.
These stations will be connected to the first three stages of TEL, running from Woodlands North to Gardens by the Bay. With the opening of TEL Stage 4, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) estimates that about 235,000 households will be within a 10-minute walk of a TEL station.
LTA added that commuters could potentially save up to 50 per cent of travelling time when using the MRT line. For instance, a journey from Marine Parade to Shenton Way will take 20 minutes via TEL, compared to the current 40-minute bus-and-train combination.
TEL stage 4 stations handed over to SMRT for final tests
In February, LTA announced the handover of the stations to TEL operator SMRT for final testing. This phase includes integrating TEL Stage 4 with the first three stages of the rail line and also running further tests to ensure operational readiness.
Civil and structural works for the stations have been completed, and fitting-out works are progressing as planned.
The opening of TEL Stage 4 will extend Singapore's rail network to over 210km. The Government's long-term plan aims to expand this network to about 360km by the 2030s, with the goal of making eight in 10 households within a 10-minute walk of a train station.
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