Adapting Structural Envelope of Existing North East Line Station Boxes to Accommodate Platform Elongation for Longer Train Sets

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) whether the structural envelope of existing North East Line station boxes can accommodate platform elongation for longer train sets as a capacity boosting measure; (b) whether corresponding turnback sidings and depot stabling tracks have the requisite length to support these longer formations; and (c) whether such capacity upgrades can be achieved without extensive new underground excavation.

The North East Line is designed for a six-car train system. Supporting trains with more cars would require major modification works to the underground station, platforms, tunnels, tracks including sidings and the depot. This cannot be achieved without heavy excavation, which would, in turn, require stopping North East Line service entirely for at least a year, if not longer. Significant land acquisition would also be needed to extend the stations.

The Cross Island Line, when completed, will add to the MRT connectivity and capacity for the North East. We are also studying the feasibility of the Seletar Line which will also benefit the region.