Up to 30-minute extra wait time at Circle Line stations from Jan. 17 to Apr. 19, 2026 due to tunnel works 

To facilitate tunnel strengthening works along stretches of the Circle Line (CCL), the two tunnels connecting Paya Lebar, Dakota and Mountbatten will be closed one at a time from Jan. 17 to Apr. 19, 2026.

During this period, the stations will operate on one platform, with a shuttle train running between them at 10-minute intervals.

Additional waiting times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours are expected, and shuttle bus services will operate to supplement train services.

Installing steel plates to strengthen tunnels

In a Dec. 1 news release, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) explained that the works are required due to a common phenomenon known as tunnel squatting.

Over time, the soft marine clay through which the tunnels are built becomes compressed.

The compression can cause the tunnels to become more elliptical from their original circular shape.

If left unaddressed, it could lead to possible defects in tunnel structure and higher maintenance requirements.

LTA shared that tunnel squatting is localised and depends on the softness and thickness of the soft soil.

Over the past decade, it has been monitoring the situation, and scans have identified three localised sectors of the CCL tunnels between Stadium and Paya Lebar stations that are more affected by tunnel squatting.

The strengthening works will involve the installation of steel plates at the affected tunnel segments to make the tunnel structure stronger and stiffer.

Such works will be carried out round the clock, involving over 300 staff and aided by robotic arms and cranes mounted on engineering wagons.

LTA further explained that expert consultants have assessed that train operations can continue safely in the affected tunnels.

The planned tunnel strengthening works are precautionary and preventive in nature.

Similar precautionary works were undertaken in the CCL tunnels between Promenade and Nicoll Highway in 2023.

Up to 30 minutes additional waiting time

During the closure period, Paya Lebar, Dakota and Mountbatten will operate on a single platform, and a shuttle train will run at intervals of 10 minutes between them.

Peak-hour intervals between HarbourFront and Paya Lebar stations will also increase from two minutes to three minutes.

CCL service intervals between Mountbatten and Dhoby Ghaut/Marina Bay stations will increase from six minutes to about 10 minutes.

LTA suggested that up to 30 minutes of additional waiting time should be factored in during peak hour commutes at CCL stations such as Bishan, Serangoon and Buona Vista, which are expected to be crowded in the morning and evening.

"Throughout this period, commuters are encouraged to consider travel options other than taking the affected stretch on CCL," LTA advised.

Shuttle bus services

The following peak-period shuttle bus services will operate during the maintenance period to supplement CCL train services.

• Shuttle bus service 38: Plies between Paya Lebar and Stadium MRT stations, operating between 6:30am to 9:30am and 5pm to 8pm, at intervals of six to 10 minutes
• Shuttle bus service 37A: One-way route from Serangoon MRT station to Tai Seng, Macpherson and Paya Lebar MRT stations, from 7am to 9am at intervals of three to five minutes
• Shuttle bus service 37B: One-way from Tai Seng MRT station to Bishan MRT station, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at intervals of three to five minutes
• Shuttle bus service 37C: One-way from Tai Seng MRT station to Serangoon MRT station, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at intervals of three to five minutes.

LTA also urged commuters to consider using lines other than the CCL, as well as regular bus services instead.

Jeffrey Siow: One of our longest scheduled service adjustments to date

In a post on Dec.1, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said that the tunnel strengthening works "will be one of our longest scheduled service adjustments to date, and we know it will inconvenience more commuters than usual".

He explained that the scheduled adjustment is necessary to create a longer and uninterrupted period to carry out these maintenance works.

He added that "this will enable us to complete the works faster, and will also be much safer for our workers".

Siow concluded by thanking the commuters for their understanding and their support.

Engaging commuters

Commuters can refer to LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app and LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms for more details.

There will be LTA roadshows to educate commuters at selected CCL stations and key transport nodes before the service adjustments take place, as well as posters and station announcements rolled out at all CCL and other MRT stations.

Station staff will also be deployed at affected stations to provide assistance to commuters, particularly seniors and those with mobility needs.

Top image via Wikimedia Commons