Three New MRT Stations Set to Open by 2035, Enhancing Connectivity in North-Western Singapore

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has revealed plans for the construction of three new MRT stations in the north-western region, with the stations set to open by 2035. The announcement, made on January 6, outlined that the new stations, currently labelled DE1, DE2, and NS6, will form part of the Downtown Line 2 extension (DTL2e) and are expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The DTL2e will span 4 kilometres, extending the Downtown Line from its existing terminus at Bukit Panjang station to a new interchange station, NS6/DE2, which will link to the North-South Line. DE1 will be an underground station situated near Sungei Kadut Avenue, close to the Rail Corridor, Pang Sua Fishing Deck, and Yew Tee Village. Additionally, a new pedestrian bridge will be built to connect the station to the Pang Sua Park Connector.

DE2 will also be an underground station and serve as an interchange connecting to the new above-ground NS6 station, located between Kranji and Yew Tee MRT stations. This interchange will be positioned near the Sungei Kadut Eco-District, which is currently undergoing redevelopment as part of efforts to revitalise the former industrial area.

Commuters will benefit from significantly reduced travel times once the stations open. For example, the travel time from Yew Tee to Chinatown will be reduced from 60 minutes to 40 minutes via the DTL2e. Similarly, passengers from Bukit Panjang will be able to reach Sungei Kadut Central in just 10 minutes by MRT, compared to the 40-minute bus ride currently required. Furthermore, the journey from Marsiling to Promenade will be shortened by 10 minutes, down from 55 minutes to 45 minutes.

Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, highlighted the expansion of the rail network as a key initiative to improve connectivity in the north-western region. He noted that the DTL2e would help reduce travel times and increase convenience for residents travelling to the city centre.

In its announcement, LTA also revealed that environmental studies had been conducted with input from nature groups, and an environmental monitoring and management plan would be implemented to minimise the construction impact. This plan includes the establishment of a wildlife corridor along the Rail Corridor during the project’s development. Reports will be published on LTA’s website for public consultation.

The DTL2e extension will bring the total number of stations on the Downtown Line to 39, including the upcoming Hume station, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, the DTL3 extension, which will include Xilin and Sungei Bedok stations, is expected to open in the second half of 2026.

As part of its long-term plans, LTA aims to achieve its Land Transport Master Plan 2040 goal, which seeks to have eight out of ten households within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station by the 2030s. The DTL2e is a significant step toward realising this vision.