Downtown Line to open Bukit Panjang to Rochor stations in Q1 next year

SINGAPORE - The second phase of the Downtown Line (DTL), which runs from Bukit Panjang to Rochor, looks set to open as scheduled in the first quarter of next year.

This will come after the main train stabling and maintenance facility at the Gali Batu depot in Woodlands is completed this July.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) told The Straits Times during a site visit earlier today that trains have been tested from the depot up to Bukit Panjang, Cashew, Hillview and Beauty World stations. These are the first four stations of the DTL.

The second phase of the DTL, which will run over 12 stations, will be integrated with the current line that runs between Bugis and Chinatown.

Meanwhile, the 21ha Gali Batu depot will be further expanded to stable more trains.

In January, LTA awarded a $137.4 million contract to build more train berths, adding another 4ha to the facility. This is targeted for completion by November 2019, The Straits Times reported.

debwong@sph.com.sg