4 new MRT stations to be added to Cross Island Line by late 2030s to serve Taman Jurong & western industrial estates

Four new stations will be added to the Cross Island Line (CRL) to serve residents in Taman Jurong and workers in western industrial estates, Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow announced on Jul. 31.

The stations will form the final stage of Singapore's Cross Island Line, known as Cross Island Line Phase 3 (CRL3).

Four new stations

Speaking to the media during a visit to the Singapore Rail Test Centre, Siow said commuters travelling to and from western Singapore could save up to 50 minutes in travel time when the full Cross Island Line is operational.

CRL3 will span about 10km and comprise four underground stations – CR20, CR21, CR22 and CR23.

Two of the four stations will be interchanges. CR21 will connect to the Jurong Region Line at JS12 station, while CR23 will connect to the East-West Line at Gul Circle station.

The new stations will improve connectivity for residents in Taman Jurong and workers in western industrial estates, Siow said, linking them to the rest of Singapore's rail network.

Construction of CRL3 is expected to begin in 2027, with the stations targeted to open by the late 2030s.

Noise and vibration impact studies will be carried out before construction begins.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will also work with stakeholders to put in place measures to mitigate construction-related concerns, including noise, dust, safety and traffic.

More alternative routes during disruptions

"The Cross Island Line plays a much more critical role in our MRT network," Siow said, noting that it will connect to all of the existing radial lines.

11 of its 26 stations will be interchanges.

This will significantly strengthen the resilience of Singapore's train network, he said.

During a service disruption, more commuters will be able to take alternative routes while remaining within the MRT network.

Once CRL3 is completed, the Cross Island Line will expand Singapore's rail network to over 360km, together with other ongoing rail expansion projects.

Improving connectivity to Tuas South

Siow also highlighted the need to improve public transport connectivity to Tuas South.

The Tuas area currently relies mainly on the existing East-West Line, although connectivity has improved since the line was extended to Tuas West, he said.

Connectivity is expected to improve further when the Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line open.

Despite this, more can be done to improve the connectivity to Tuas South, he said.

One of the options Siow raised is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

BRT systems use articulated, high-capacity buses or track-less trams that travel along dedicated lanes, with priority at traffic junctions.

Stations are also designed to allow passengers to board and alight quickly.

If feasible for Tuas South, BRT could be a promising and cost-effective mode of transport for other parts of Singapore, Siow said, filling the gap between conventional buses and trains.