New Circle Line set to transform Singapore’s MRT commute

SINGAPORE, July 5 — More than 10,000 commuters are set to enjoy shorter and more direct journeys when three new Circle Line stations open on July 12, finally completing the MRT line’s loop after more than three decades of planning.

The new Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road stations were unveiled to the public on July 4, drawing large crowds of train enthusiasts eager to preview the long‑awaited final stretch of the line. According to The Straits Times, visitors were offered free rides between the stations, along with activities such as a stamp rally, photo hunt and a pop‑up store selling exclusive merchandise.

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said the opening will give residents in the area direct MRT access while unlocking future development opportunities in the Greater Southern Waterfront and Marina Bay. He noted that the project could only proceed after key land parcels — including the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and port terminals — were returned and cleared.

Siow described the construction of the final stage as one of the Land Transport Authority’s most challenging engineering undertakings. Crews had to tunnel just 7m beneath the nearly century‑old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station without damaging the structure, and also navigate works under the live Keppel Viaduct while protecting its foundations.

With the loop closed, the Circle Line will operate three services — clockwise, anti‑clockwise and a shuttle to and from Dhoby Ghaut — supported by a fleet of 87 trains. The line saw over 500,000 weekday rides in 2025.

Train enthusiasts turned up early for the preview, including a 33‑year‑old software engineer who travelled across the island to be among the first inside Cantonment station, and a 21‑year‑old national serviceman hoping to snag limited‑edition train collectibles. Many said the completed loop would give commuters more flexibility and faster options when planning their routes.