SINGAPORE - Exciting news for commuters! A new underground MRT station is on the way near Yew Tee Village as part of a significant extension of the Downtown Line (DTL) from Bukit Panjang to Sungei Kadut, scheduled to open in 2035. This development is expected to dramatically reduce travel time to central locations such as Chinatown by up to 20 minutes!

The ambitious 4km DTL extension will feature a crucial interchange with the North-South Line (NSL) in Sungei Kadut Central. Construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, as confirmed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The first station on this new line, codenamed DE1, will be located along Sungei Kadut Avenue on government-owned industrial land earmarked for future development. This station will provide easy access to neighborhoods like Yew Tee Village, Pang Sua Fishing Deck, and Pang Sua Park Connector via a newly built pedestrian bridge.

Transport upgrades don’t stop there! A dual two-lane vehicular bridge and access roads will also connect the new MRT station with Choa Chu Kang North 7 and Woodlands Road, while cycling paths and covered linkways will greatly enhance connectivity for residents.

Further north, the newly designated Sungei Kadut Central will serve as the terminal for the DTL, with the station DE2 connecting seamlessly to a new above-ground NSL station, enhancing the public transportation landscape in the area.

This upheaval is part of the ambitious Sungei Kadut Eco-District development, a sprawling 500ha industrial estate that aims to modernize one of Singapore’s oldest industrial sites with new growth sectors such as agri-tech and environmental technology. Unfortunately, some existing industrial structures will need to be demolished to make way for the expansion.

Despite these changes, JTC Corporation has confirmed that the majority of lands required for this project are already vacant, and they are assisting companies in relocating ahead of the construction schedule.

Environmental considerations are paramount in this project. The LTA has undertaken extensive studies to assess the ecological impact, especially given the proximity to the Rail Corridor, a vital ecological zone for diverse flora and fauna. Experts and nature groups were consulted to ensure that construction minimizes disruptions, including the implementation of a 30m-wide wildlife passage.

The DTL extension promises to be a game-changer for residents of north-western Singapore, providing alternative travel and transfer options. The overall DTL network will consist of 39 stations spanning 44km upon completion, with more stations opening before the new decade. Notably, the upcoming Hume station is expected to see operations commence in Q2 of 2025.

This extension aligns with the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, which aims to streamline Singapore’s public transportation so that nine out of ten peak-period journeys are completed in 45 minutes or less. The initiative reflects Singapore’s commitment to sustainable urban development while catering to its ever-growing population's mobility needs.

Stay tuned as we follow this major transport development set to reshape Singapore's commuting landscape!