SMRT will run a shuttle train service between Mountbatten and Paya Lebar stations on March 17 between 5.30am and 10am.

It is closing part of the tunnel along that stretch of the Circle Line to give engineers more time to replace power cables on the line.

During this period, normal service trains will turn around when they reach either Mountbatten or Paya Lebar stations. Commuters will have to alight at these stations and board the shuttle train through this stretch before continuing their journey on another normal service train.

SMRT said commuters can expect an additional 10 to 12 minutes of travel time if they have to travel through Mountbatten, Dakota or Paya Lebar stations.

SMRT staff will be at the affected stations to assist commuters with their travel.

The power cable replacement is a joint exercise between SMRT and the Land Transport Authority that started in January. It is aimed at reducing the likelihood of power outages that had led to train disruptions in the past.

Said SMRT chief executive Desmond Kuek: "Being able to carry out the works beyond non-service hours is going to help us complete the works six months in advance. SMRT is committed to improving the reliability of our system, and offering customers smoother and uninterrupted travel. The sooner we are able to bring a better overall commuter experience, the better."