Update on Next Phase of Rail Corridor plan

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on the next phase of the Rail Corridor plan; (b) when will the northern stretch be completed; and (c) whether these new stretches will have seamless connections to nearby HDB towns like Bukit Panjang.

The Rail Corridor, spanning 24 kilometres north to south of Singapore, is a unique opportunity for us to enhance this former railway line into a continuous green corridor, to enjoy the rich biodiversity and heritage that our City in Nature has to offer.

Since 2018, we have been carrying out works along the southern and central stretches of the Rail Corridor – from Spooner Road to Hillview Road – to make it an inclusive community space for users of all ages and abilities.

Following the completion of trail improvement works along various stretches of the Corridor, visitors can now enjoy close to 5 kilometres of re-opened trails between Jalan Kilang Barat and Commonwealth Drive, and between Buona Vista and the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station, with a short detour at Holland Road where ongoing works are expected to complete in early 2021. Other stretches along Rail Corridor South and Central will progressively reopen when works are completed. By 1Q 2021, the public can look forward to a continuous trail from Spooner Road to Hillview Road.

The northern stretch of the Rail Corridor between Hillview Road and Kranji Road is accessible to the public today. Trail improvement works along some sections will commence from early 2021. The Rail Corridor is linked to nearby towns such as Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang via the Western Adventure Loop, which is designed for walking and cycling. Residents can also look forward to new access paths from surrounding estates into the Rail Corridor. More details will be released when ready.