Construction of Jurong Region Line begins, to open in 3 stages from 2027 to 2029

The Jurong Region Line (JRL) is set to open in three stages from 2027 to 2029 after construction began on Friday (Jan 13).

First announced in January 2013, the JRL will have 24 stations to enhance public transport connectivity for residents in the West and North-West.

The JRL will shorten travel time for a student heading to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) from Choa Chu Kang by public transport by nearly half, from 60 minutes to 35 minutes, said Minister for Transport S Iswaran in his speech at the ceremony.

It will also include three interchange stations at Boon Lay, Choa Chu Kang and Jurong East. 

There will be 62 fully-automated three-car trains running on the JRL when it is completed in 2029. The trains can also be upgraded to four cars if necessary to meet demand.

These trains have smaller carriages to navigate the tight curves and built-up areas along the JRL track, as well as wider doors and spaces for wheelchair users and strollers. Compared to Circle Line train carriages, each JRL train carriage will be 5m shorter in length and 0.45m narrower in width.

The JRL is expected to be able to meet long-term ridership demands of more than 500,000 a day when the line and surrounding developments are fully completed. 

It will also make it easier to travel to Jurong Industrial Estate, Jurong Innovation District, and Jurong Lake District, which is Singapore’s largest business district outside of the central area. 

While the JRL is being built, some existing station structures will need to be demolished and strengthened. Mr Iswaran said that virtual reality technology was used to optimise station layouts and construction activities will be planned to minimise disruptions to current station operations.

Parts of the JRL viaduct will also be constructed over busy roads or close to existing buildings such as HDB blocks – as close as 10m to 15m. 

Virtual Design and Construction technology is being used to ensure that construction can be carried out safely. Drones and automated instruments like 3D scanners will also be used to monitor progress for key segments of construction in the future.

Stage 1 of the JRL is expected to be completed in 2027, and the full line in 2029.