Jurong Region Line Stage 1 opening delayed to mid-2028
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow announced in Parliament that the first stage of the Jurong Region Line will open in mid-2028, six months later than scheduled. The delay is attributed to construction challenges and the impact of the pandemic on complex infrastructure works.
- The opening of JRL Stage 1 has been rescheduled from late 2027 to mid-2028 due to complex construction requirements and pandemic-related delays.
- An additional station will be built between Tengah Central and Choa Chu Kang West stations, with a projected completion date in the mid-2030s.
- The Land Transport Authority will introduce an interim shuttle bus service in late 2027 to mitigate the impact of the delay on residents in the Tengah area.
SINGAPORE: The first stage of the Jurong Region Line (JRL) is now scheduled to commence operations around mid-2028. This represents a six-month delay from the original target of late 2027.
The revised timeline was confirmed by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on 04 March 2026.
Speaking during a parliamentary session regarding the ministry's annual spending plans, Siow attributed the extension to significant construction delays and necessary testing phases.
He acknowledged the impact of this change on residents who have already relocated to the new Tengah estate.
Siow, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for the area, stated that authorities would strive to complete the works as soon as possible.
He noted the disappointment felt by the community while emphasizing the necessity of ensuring a safe and functional rollout.
In addition to the timeline update, Siow announced the inclusion of a new station on the line.
This station will be situated between the upcoming Tengah Central and Choa Chu Kang West stations. It is expected to open in the mid-2030s.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) explained that the additional station would open in tandem with future developments in the surrounding area. LTA has been working with contractors to increase manpower and equipment to recover time lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these efforts, LTA clarified that certain complex engineering works could not be further accelerated.
Specific challenges included the construction of viaducts over the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE). These works were restricted to overnight road closures on specific nights to ensure public safety.
Further complications arose during the construction of a viaduct over a 25-metre-wide canal.
This segment required more extensive ground reinforcement measures than initially planned. These additional steps were deemed essential to maintain structural stability in the area.
To support residents during the delay, an interim shuttle bus service will be launched in late 2027.
This service aims to improve connectivity for those living in areas designated for JRL Stage 1 until the rail line becomes fully operational.
LTA indicated that more details regarding the shuttle service would be released at a later date.
Meanwhile, bus services providing direct links to the central business district and existing rail lines have already been progressively introduced in the Tengah region.
Public transport officials stated they would continue to monitor ridership patterns and adjust bus services accordingly.
The JRL Stage 1 will consist of ten stations. This includes critical interchange stations located at Boon Lay and Choa Chu Kang.
Timelines for JRL Stages 2 and 3 remain under review.
These stages were originally scheduled for completion in 2028 and 2029 respectively.
LTA confirmed that updated opening schedules for these phases would be provided as construction work progresses further.
