Construction begins for Jurong Region Line, with 24 new MRT stations

All JRL stations will be fitted with solar panels to generate renewable energy and provide a source of power with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, said Mr Iswaran. Adopting a regenerative braking system like existing MRT lines, JRL will have sensors to automatically dim lights during the day and trains that are 5m shorter in length and 0.45m narrower in width to ensure sufficient manoeuvrability in tight curves.

Transport Minister S Iswaran highlighted that the Jurong Region Line (JRL) will significantly improve connectivity in the western part of Singapore and support developments in the Jurong area. He further added that when JRL opens in 2029, it will save commuters considerable travel time. For instance, a student commuting from Choa Chu Kang to NTU will see her travel time halved from 60 minutes to 35 minutes. Moreover, with about 60,000 more households within a 10-minute walk of a train station, residents in the West and North-West will get better public transport connectivity.

At Friday’s groundbreaking and viaduct-launching ceremony, Mr Iswaran also noted that there will be “stiff challenges” constructing the JRL, particularly in densely developed corridors. For the interchange stations of Boon Lay, Choa Chu Kang and Jurong East, some existing station structures will have to be demolished and strengthened. To reduce disruption, construction activities have been planned and technologies such as Virtual Design and Construction, drones, and 3D scanners are being used for real-time monitoring.

On top of this, permanent noise barriers will be installed along viaducts near residential areas, and traffic diversions will be implemented to allow for the construction of stations and viaduct structures. LTA engineers have also put in place mitigating measures to reduce Senja Close EC noise disturbance and minimise disruptions to traffic and the environment.

The JRL will have 24 stations above ground – three of which are interchange stations – and is planned to open in three stages in 2027-2029. Mr Iswaran assured that JRL will be able to meet long-term ridership demands of more than 500,000 per day. The names of the stations and their locations will be announced at a later date.

Construction of Singapore’s seventh MRT line has begun with the rollout of a number of measures and utilisation of technology, to ensure its completion while minimising disruption. Set to open in 2029, the JRL is expected to improve public transport connectivity in the western part of the country, save commuters time, and provide a sustainable source of power.