North East MRT Line

The North East MRT Line (NEL) is the third Mass Rapid Transit line in Singapore and the world's second longest fully underground, automated and driverless, rapid transit line after the Circle Line. The line is 5.3 km long with 5 stations. Travelling from one end of this line to the other end takes 9 minutes. This line is coloured purple in the rail map. It was designed to the metro standards together with the Regional Express Line which is supposed to go along the North East Line was withdrawn and replaced by the new corridor of HSR.

Overview

Transfer to the North South Line is provided at Dhoby Ghaut, to the East West Line at Outram Park and to the Circle Line at HarbourFront and Serangoon. The North East Line interchanges with the Downtown Line at Chinatown and Little India. The North East Line interchanges with the Thomson-East Coast Line at Outram Park. This line was the first in Singapore to be entirely underground.

The North East Line is the first line in Singapore to have artwork integrated into all its 5 stations under the Art in Transit programme. Other than the Art in Transit programme, the interior architecture for the stations are typical of the design of the early 2000s with lots of white, glass and steel. This kind of design can be seen in other subway stations built during this period like the Shenzhen Metro and Hong Kong MTR's Tseung Kwan O line.

Template:As of, trains operate at two-minute intervals during peak hours, five-minute intervals during mid-day service and six-minute intervals in the early morning and night times.

With 5 stations and spanning 5.3 km, the North East Line (NEL) is the world's fully automated and first driverless line. It uses Alstom Metropolis C751A trains. Trains usually dispatch from the Sengkang Depot.

As the first heavy rail project that takes place almost 10 years after the North South and East West lines were fully finished, construction began when the Land Transport Authority was formed in October 1995. It is the ambitious project that weaved through the busy heritage areas such as Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Little India; through to mature and new residential estates such as Serangoon, Hougang, Sengkang and Punggol.

Being fully underground, it ensures that the safety of passengers by providing platform screen doors at all stations. The stations are also fully air-conditioned to give a better travelling experience for commuters.

The NEL is also part of the Art in Transit, a public art project by the LTA.

History

The MRTC first proposed an additional MRT line serving the northeastern areas of Punggol and Jalan Kayu on September 1984. In its preliminary studies, the Communications Ministry concluded that roads would be insufficient to serve the future housing estates that will be built in the 21st century. Plans for the line were developed early to determine the parcels of land needed for the line's construction, so as to minimise the impact on other developments. In December, a British consultant was appointed to look into possible routes of the line.

In March 1986, the British firm drew up a tentative route, beginning from Outram Park and terminating in Punggol. The line would interchange with the existing MRT system at Dhoby Ghaut station and pass through Kandang Kerbau and Hougang, paralleling the major roads of Serangoon Road and Upper Serangoon Road. A branch line was also proposed from Hougang to Jalan Kayu. The segment of the line in the city would be underground, while the portion after Braddell Road would be elevated. The MRTC, which approved the project in October, had proposed for the line to be linked with Bishan Depot, which would maintain and service trains running on the future line. In February 1991, it further proposed to extend the line to Pulau Tekong via Pulau Ubin. The extension would serve future residential and industrial developments outlined in the long-term plans of the islands.

Delay in implementation

While the NEL was approved "in principle" in January 1989 by the government, Communications Minister Yeo Ning Hong said that the line's construction would depend on the developments in the northeast. The Woodlands line extension, which cost S$1.35 billion (US$0.7 billion), took precedence over the S$4.3 billion (US$2.4 billion) NEL. Yeo's successor, Mah Bow Tan, had explained that given the low population of the northeast area, it would not be financially viable to build the line compared to the Woodlands extension. Mah had also earlier explained in 1992 that the Woodlands extension was built because, unlike the northeast, plans were already "firmed up" for developments in Woodlands. Mah announced that the line would be built when housing developments in the northeast were completed. The four Members of Parliament (MPs) in the northeast, however, have called for the line to be built earlier, stating that there will be sufficient demand given the population of the area. They added that the MRT line will resolve the traffic congestion in the area.

Reviewing the line's feasibility, the Communications Ministry stated in 1995 that if construction works for the line were to proceed at the time, it could be completed in 2002. However, the line, projected to cost S$5 billion (US$3.5 billion), would operate at a loss of S$250 million (US$176.4 million) during its first four years of operation, with lower daily passenger numbers of 240,000. Nevertheless, the Communications Ministry have recommended to the Cabinet to construct the line due to "wider benefits" such as enhanced travelling time and reduced reliance on cars for Singaporeans.

Due to the line's higher costs and the projected deficit, Mah, in his engagements with the grassroots leaders in October, suggested that the residents would have to be prepared to pay higher fares on the NEL to cover the initial losses. The decision was divisive among the leaders. Some felt it would be unfair for the residents, while others were confident that the residents would be willing "to pay for a better quality of life". It has been suggested to raise fares for the entire network but Mah replied that it would be more difficult to apply such a principle. During the engagements, Mah assured the leaders that the government is willing to bring the line's construction forward and that he would make the recommendation to the government for the line to be constructed.

The 1996 White Paper, unveiled in January 1996, outlined that the NEL was to be built earlier to address congestion on the north east corridor, which will also be enhanced by express bus services. Shortly after on 19 January, during the debate on the White Paper, the government announced it was to built both NEL and TPL immediately.

Construction and opening

The 16 NEL stations and their locations were announced in March 1996. Many residents and politicians welcomed the announcement, as the line was expected to relief traffic congestion, improve transport connections in the northeast and stimulate developments around the station sites. 13 civil contracts for the trackwork and construction of the stations, Sengkang Depot and associated tunnels were awarded at a total sum of S$2.8 billion (US$1.9 billion). 16 more contracts related to electrical and mechanical works were awarded at a total sum of S$1 billion (US$3.5 billion).

To construct the line, 20 ha (49 acres) of private land had to be acquired, while 43 ha (110 acres) of government land were returned to the State. Several rental HDB blocks, private homes and shophouses have to be acquired, which dismayed many affected residents. Those who were only notified to move in July have requested more time to seek new premises. Construction of the line began with a groundbreaking ceremony at Farrer Park station on 25 November 1997. In May 1999, SBS Transit (then Singapore Bus Service Ltd) was appointed to operate the line along with the Sengkang and Punggol LRT systems. With bus operations in the area handed over from Trans-Island Bus Services (TIBS) to the newly appointed operator, SBS then had control over both bus and rail services in the northeast, allowing for inter-modal integration the government aimed for.

Construction challenges on the line having to divert the Eu Tong Sen canal into pipes for the construction for Chinatown MRT Station and having to avoid flooding the tunnels underneath the Singapore River between Clarke Quay and Dhoby Ghaut stations. At Outram Park, to minimise the movement of East West Line tunnels, an arch roof of steel pipes feel with cement was laid underneath the EWL tunnels. Jet grout arches were used to support the North South Line tunnels where explosives were used to remove the hard rock from Clarke Quay to Dhoby Ghaut. Various roads had to be temporarily diverted for the line's construction.

When the 16 stations were announced, Potong Pasir (then named Sennett), Woodleigh and Punggol were not to be built along with the other stations due to the lack of developments around the stations' sites at the time. The construction of Punggol station was brought forward to serve the upcoming Punggol 21 developments. The decision not to build and open Sennett Station, however, has generated political controversy, with claims by residents and opposition MP Chiam See Tong that the station would only open if the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has secured the constituency. In 2002, through a revised study on ridership numbers, the government decided to open the station along with the other NEL stations due to projected developments around the site. It was also decided to rename the station to its present name.

The NEL was initially expected to be completed by the end of 2002, with various SBS staff being trained on train maintenance and the various technical aspects of the fully automated system. However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in September 2002 stated that the line might be opened later in April 2003 to allow sufficient time for tests on the line. The line's systems were handed over to SBS Transit on 16 December, with the operator carrying out further tests. Due to a glitch in the signalling system, however, the NEL's opening had to be delayed further to June, with tests briefly being handed over to the LTA. As it had to bear the cost of maintenance and manpower, SBS Transit has sought compensation from the government for the delay.

With the exception of two stations (Buangkok and Woodleigh), the NEL commenced operations on 20 June 2003. About 140,000 people visited and took the NEL on its opening day. Many who visited were impressed by the comfort and fast speed of the new line. However, two delays occurred on the opening day. A train, stalled between Boon Keng and Potong Pasir, had to be manually steered to Farrer Park. Another train failed to depart Dhoby Ghaut station as it believed a set of doors remained open, and hence was pulled from service. The line had an official opening ceremony on 28 August.

Since its opening, while there were a few glitches, the line has been very reliable and generally well-received by commuters, with operations running smoothly. In July, the International Association of Public Transport has heralded the NEL as a model public transport system for the future, with other driverless systems being planned around the world. In June 2004, SBS Transit reported that it only has one 15-minute delay every 6 weeks, compared to the expected twice-a-week delay.

Opening of reserved stations

On 17 June 2003, operator SBS Transit announced that two stations – Woodleigh and Buangkok – would not open along with the other NEL stations. Due to the lack of developments, the operator stated that keeping the stations closed would reduce operating costs by S$2-3 million. The sudden decision to keep Buangkok station closed has upset many residents living around the station, who were assured by MPs and grassroots leaders that the station would open.

The government initially stood by SBS Transit's decision to keep the station closed, with plans to open the station only in 2006 when there are more residential flats built in the area. It was further pushed to 2008 as projected through the housing development plans for the area. With public pressure and the residents' promise to use the station, it was announced at the end of 2005 to open the station on 15 January the year after.

The station opened "with much fanfare", with various activities, including a walk-a-jog, organised for the opening event. Since its opening, however, the station only had a ridership of 1,386 out of the expected 6,000. Many residents still travel to the adjacent stations of Sengkang and Hougang due to the amenities around these stations. Nevertheless, SBS Transit, after stating that it was still "too early to draw a conclusion" on the ridership, remained committed to keeping the station open for it to serve future developments around it.

Woodleigh station, built near the former Bidadari cemetery, was set to be opened only about seven or eight years after the NEL opening. In January 2011, The Straits Times have reported that preparations for the station's opening were ongoing since the second half of 2010, with speculations that the station would open in the middle of that year to serve new developments in the area. In a parliament session in March, Transport Minister Raymond Lim confirmed that Woodleigh station would open on 20 June 2011. On the opening day, however, several commuters, intending to alight at the adjacent Serangoon station, were unaware that the station had opened and alighted at Woodleigh by accident. The operator had to deploy several staff to assist the confused commuters. Other curious commuters alighted to view the station interior or try an alternative route from the station.

In December 2018, LTA announced that the line will undergo mid-life refurbishment works from 2019 onwards. A contract worth $116.7 million was awarded to CRCC Nanjing Puzhen for the refurbishment works. All 25 first-generation C751A trains will be upgraded. The trains' interior, such as seats, panels and flooring, will get a facelift, and the air-conditioning, ventilation and passenger information systems will be upgraded. Works are expected to be completed by 2024.

North East line extension

On 17 January 2013, a 2-kilometre extension which will run from Punggol through Punggol North including the new Punggol Downtown was announced. The extension will also serve the upcoming "creative cluster and learning corridor" in Punggol, which will include the Singapore Institute of Technology's new campus. It is expected to be completed by 2030.

On 7 June 2017, it was announced by Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee Meng that the North East line extension will open in 2023, 7 years ahead of the expected opening date. The single station extension will span 1.6km and will serve the future Punggol North area. Construction on the extension commenced in 2018. The extension opened on 10 December 2024.

The line is connected to the Circle Line, East-West Line, North-South Line stations as well as Punggol and Sengkang LRT stations. In the future, the line will also be connected to the Downtown Line at Little India. There will also be future provisions to the Eastern Intercity Rail from Tanjong Pagar West intersection @ Outram Park.

Services 62, 81, 82, 97, 103, 106, 111 and 502 were upgraded to Quality Incentive Contracts (QIC) and amended/shortened their services in 2003. Services 85, 501, 511 and 512 suffered their withdrawal which is longer waiting time and drop of loading. Service 147 is the only one left behind due to the heavy loading involved.

The North East Line sweeps through the recent overcrowding currently:

1. 62: Punggol - Kallang
2. 81: Serangoon - Outram Park
3. 82: Serangoon - Shenton Way
4. 85: Sengkang - HarbourFront (lost sectors partially served by 119)
5. 97: Hougang - Suntec City
6. 103: Serangoon - HarbourFront (St James Power Station)
7. 106: Medway Drive - Plaza Singapura
8. 111: Hougang - Plaza Singapura
9. 128: Rivervale Mall - Chinatown Point
10. 501: Sengkang - Tanjong Pagar
11. 502: Sengkang - Plaza Singapura
12. 511: Hougang - Park Mall
13. 512: Hougang - Tanjong Pagar

Stations

Main article: List of Singapore MRT stations

Station Name	Interchange/Notes	First Train NB	First Train SB	Last Train NB	Last Train SB
HarbourFront	Circle Line			23:55	00:02
Raeburn	Unbuilt
Outram Park	East West Line Thomson-East Coast Line			23:59	23:58
Chinatown	Downtown Line			00:01	23:56
Clarke Quay
Dhoby Ghaut	North South Line Circle Line				23:52
Little India	Downtown Line				23:50
Farrer Park				00:09	23:48
Boon Keng				00:11	23:46
Potong Pasir				00:13	23:44
Woodleigh				00:15	23:42
Serangoon	Circle Line			00:17	23:40
Kovan				00:20	23:37
Hougang	Cross Island Line (2030)			00:23	23:35
Buangkok					23:32
Sengkang	Sengkang LRT				23:30
Punggol	Punggol LRT Cross Island Line (2032)				23:28
Punggol Coast					23:25
Pasir Gudang	Status unknown

Rationalisation

Phase	Implementation date	Service	Service changes
1	21 June 2003	21	Amended to serve Farrer Pk Stn via Jln Besar, Kitchener Rd and Serangoon Rd in the direction towards St Michael's Ter.
		125
		22	Amended to serve Serangoon Stn via Serangoon Ctrl and Upp Serangoon Rd in both directions.
		53
		70
		72	Amended to serve Hougang Stn via Hougang Ctrl in both directions.
		72A	Amended to terminate at Hougang Ctrl (Opp Hougang Ctrl Int).
		130	Amended to serve Boon Keng Stn via Serangoon Rd, Boon Keng Rd and Bendemeer Rd in the direction towards the city.
		139
2a	27 July 2003	81	Amended to operate between Serangoon Int and Tampines Int, plying Hougang Ave 3, skipping a part of Tampines Rd.
		97	Amended to loop at Temasek Ave from Jurong East Int and to ply Esplanade Dr, skipping Fullerton Rd and St. Andrew's Rd.
		97A	Extended to terminate at Raffles Ave (Opp Marina Sq), operating after the last bus of Service 97 daily.
		106	Shortened to terminate at Marina Ctr Ter from Bukit Batok Int.
		111	Shortened to loop at Temasek Ave from Ghim Moh Ter.
		502	Shortened to loop at Temasek Ave from Boon Lay Int.
		502A	Amended to terminate at Temasek Ave (Opp The Ritz-Carlton); operating after the last bus of Service 502 daily.
		85	Withdrawn; part of its lost sectors were renumbered Service 119.
		85A	Withdrawn.
		501
		501#
		511
		512
2b	14 September 2003	119	Renumbered from deleted sectors of former Service 85 as a service between Sengkang Int and Hougang St 21 (loop).
3a	30 November 2003	107	Amended to operate between Hougang Ctrl Int and Shenton Way Ter, following deleted sectors of Service 97.
		107#	Extended to start from Hougang Ctrl Int, following deleted sectors of Service 97.
		107A	Withdrawn.
3b	7 December 2003	62	Amended to start from Punggol Temp Int and loop at Sims Ave.
		62A	Amended to start from Punggol Temp Int and terminate at Aljunied Rd (Aljunied Stn).
		82	Amended to start from Serangoon Int and loop at Punggol Rd End, serving Punggol Stn via Punggol Field, Punggol Pl and Punggol Ctrl.
		82A	Introduced from Serangoon Int to Punggol Rd (Punggol Rd End), operating after the last bus of Service 82 daily.
		103	Merged with Feeder Service 378, amended to start from Serangoon Int and to loop at Piccadilly.
		103W	Renumbered from Service 379 as a service between Serangoon Int and West Camp Rd (loop).
		378	Merged with Service 103 and withdrawn.
		379	Amended to start from Serangoon Int and renumbered Service 103W.

Services

Services	From	To	Day
Northbound	HarbourFront	Sengkang	Weekdays
		Punggol	Saturdays
		Punggol North	Sundays
Southbound	Sengkang	Chinatown	Weekdays
	Punggol North	HarbourFront	Saturdays
	Punggol North Chinatown	Dhoby Ghaut HarbourFront	Sundays

Rolling stock

The rolling stock consists of Alstom Metropolis C751A trains, running in six-car formation. These trains operate from Sengkang Depot near Buangkok Station on the North East Line. The Sengkang Depot has maintenance and train overhaul facilities for trains along the North East Line. In 2010, the government announced that they would be looking to increase the number of trains on the North East Line by 70% within 5 to 6 years to cater to an expected increase in passenger traffic. The new trains will be called Alstom Metropolis C751C. In 2023, 6 more trains are added to the NEL in anticipation of the opening of Punggol Coast Station. They are known as Alstom Metropolis C851E.

See also

• List of driverless trains

External links

• North East Line
• North East Line (SBS Transit)

References

Template:Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)

Template:Singapore railway lines

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