Work starts on Cross Island MRT Line Punggol extension; over 70,000 daily journeys to be shortened

Construction has officially commenced on the Cross Island Line (CRL) Punggol extension in Singapore, which is expected to shorten over 70,000 daily journeys between the north-east and east of the country. The 7.3km extension of Singapore’s eighth MRT line comprises four stations: Punggol, Riviera, Elias, and Pasir Ris. The extension will significantly improve rail connectivity, reduce travel times, and offer more efficient transportation options for residents.

Punggol station will connect to the North East MRT Line, Riviera will link to the Punggol LRT Line, and Pasir Ris station will be connected to the East-West MRT Line. Acting Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that the journey between Punggol and Pasir Ris will take just 15 minutes when the extension opens, significantly shorter than the current 40-minute bus ride.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is taking steps to minimize noise, vibration, and dust during construction, using electric excavators and battery power pack generators at certain worksites. An advanced tunnel-boring machine will construct the tunnels between Elias and Punggol stations, and a robotic shotcrete machine will be used to build a mined section of the tunnel near Elias station. LTA has also created Telegram channels to keep residents informed of construction progress for each new MRT station along the extension.

The CRL Punggol extension is set to connect with the main CRL at Pasir Ris station. The first phase of the line, consisting of 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill, is already under construction and is expected to be completed by 2030. The second phase, comprising six stations from Turf City to Jurong Lake District, is set to open in 2032, with engineering studies underway for the third phase.

Once complete, the CRL will serve Singapore’s eastern, western, and north-eastern areas, becoming the country’s longest fully underground MRT line.