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SINGAPORE: The continuous loop of the metro network’s Circle Line was completed with the opening of the final stage of the 30-year project on July 12.
The 4.3 km Stage 6 has closed the gap between Harbour Front and Marina Bay, adding underground stations at Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road which were named following a public vote.
The line operated by SMRT is now 39 km long including the 35.5 km ring and a branch to Dhoby Ghaut. It has 33 stations, of which 12 are interchanges. There are connections with all other metro lines, enabling passengers to avoid the busy interchanges at City Hall and Raffles Place.
Construction
Interior of Cantonment Station. image: LTA
The first stage of the Circle Line opened in 2009. The construction of Stage 6 was particularly challenging, as it required working in a dense urban environment adjacent to the port, tunnelling beneath the operational Keppel Viaduct and the removal of previously undocumented underground coastal structures.
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The three stations are designed to integrate with the urban and heritage character of their surroundings. They offer full accessibility, with lifts, escalators and tactile guidance to key touchpoints. The stations feature energy efficiency technologies including smart lighting, motion-sensor controls and hybrid cooling systems. Bicycle parking and sheltered linkways aim to encourage walking and cycling.
The Land Transport Authority said Cantonment station has been ‘sensitively’ integrated with the old Tanjong Pagar railway station, which is a designated national monument. Parts of the former station’s platforms were removed to facilitate construction of the metro, and on completion the canopy structures were reinstated to retain ‘the sense of heritage and memories’ of the old railway terminus.
Rolling stockThe opening of Stage 6 has been supported by the delivery of 23 Class C851E Alstom Metropolis trainsets. These were supplied from Spain and began entering service in April, supplementing the existing C830 and C830C class fleets to provide a fleet of 87 trains for the line.
To cater for future needs, Kim Chuan Depot has been expanded to almost double its capacity from 70 to 133 trains. The integrated depot also houses 550 buses to optimise land use.
Going round in circles
Keppel Station Platform. image: LTA
LTA engaged with the public to develop enhanced wayfinding to accommodate the circular route, which has clockwise and anticlockwise services.
Changes include enhancements to static signage, passenger information systems and announcements, which now give directions by highlighting the next interchange station that a train will serve.
This approach was initially rolled out at Promenade, Esplanade, Buona Vista and Paya Lebar stations from the end of May so passengers could familiarise themselves with the new signage ahead of the opening of Stage 6.
Ahead of the opening, a free public preview service operated between Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road stations on July 4.
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