Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has announced plans to expand the rail network to create a direct link between Changi Airport and the city centre. This includes extending the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and integrating it with the Cross Island Line, centered around a new interchange station, TE32/CR1 Changi Terminal 5. Terminal 5, currently under construction, will significantly increase airport capacity and is expected to be finished in the mid-2030s.
The TEL extension will add 14 kilometers of track from Sungei Bedok to the new Terminal 5 station and will connect with Tanah Merah station, incorporating part of the existing East-West Line into the TEL system. This extended line will span about 57 kilometers, providing a direct route from Changi Airport through major city spots like Gardens by the Bay and Orchard to Woodlands North, which links to the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link. The travel time between Changi Airport and Marina Bay will shorten to about 40 minutes, cutting 10 minutes from current options.
The Cross Island Line will connect to Terminal 5 through a 5.8-kilometer extension from CR2 station, improving access to key areas such as Punggol Digital District, Jurong Lake District, and several residential neighborhoods. Commuters will save up to 15 minutes on trips from the airport to places like Ang Mo Kio.
Significant upgrades and conversions of existing East-West Line stations are underway to ensure compatibility with the TEL, with preparatory work at Tanah Merah station scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Terminal 5 will also feature an integrated ground transport center housing trains, buses, taxis, and other transport modes, positioning the airport as a major hub not just for travel but also for retail and entertainment. The TEL currently serves many passengers and is projected to handle up to one million daily riders in the future
(Source: Rail Professional; Channel News Asia)
