Train service changes on Circle Line as tunnel strengthening works begin on Jan 17
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
During the three months, shuttle trains will run on a single platform at 10-minute intervals connecting Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – Passengers using the Circle Line (CCL) will face delays of up to 30 minutes from Jan 17 to April 19, 2026, as trains will run less frequently along its entire length during this period.
This is to allow work to be carried out to strengthen the tunnels linking Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Jan 8, in a release reminding passengers about the service adjustments it announced on Dec 1, 2025.
During the three months, shuttle trains will run on a single platform at 10-minute intervals connecting Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations. This is up from the current three-minute frequency.
Passengers will need to switch to another train at Mountbatten or Paya Lebar to continue their journey on the CCL.
Shuttle buses will also operate on several routes during weekday peak hours, to ferry passengers to stations not affected by the works. These services will follow the same fare structures as the trains.
This started on Jan 5, so that passengers can familiarise themselves with alternative travel routes, LTA said.
During the morning peak, shuttles 37A and 38 will be served by a fleet of 44 buses. During the evening peak, shuttles 37B, 37C and 38 will operate with the same fleet size of 44 buses to supplement CCL train services.
Services during the morning peak:
Shuttle 37A will ferry passengers from Serangoon station to Tai Seng, MacPherson and Paya Lebar stations, and will operate at three- to five-minute intervals from 7am to 9am.
Shuttle 38 is a two-way shuttle bus that will operate between Paya Lebar, Dakota, Mountbatten and Stadium stations every six to 10 minutes, to augment shuttle train services. It will run from 6.30am to 9.30am.
Services during the evening peak:
Shuttle 37B will take passengers from Tai Seng to Bishan, and will run every three to five minutes from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Shuttle 37C from Tai Seng to Serangoon will operate at three- to five-minute intervals from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Shuttle 38 will operate from 5pm to 8pm on the same route as the morning service.
LTA said that passengers travelling during morning and evening peak periods may find it faster and more convenient to travel on other MRT routes, avoiding crowded stretches on the CCL.
For example, passengers should expect CCL interchange stations, such as Bishan, Serangoon and Buona Vista, to be crowded during the morning and evening peak periods.
The tunnels connecting Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations were built in soft marine clay, making them more prone to deformation. Minor defects such as water leaks have already surfaced.
Although there is no immediate safety risk, not addressing these defects in the tunnel structure could lead to severe service disruptions, LTA said on Dec 1, 2025.
The two tunnels will be closed one at a time to allow the installation of steel plates, which will reinforce the circumference of the tunnels to prevent them from compressing over time. The affected 450m stretch also includes a portion of the tunnels between Stadium and Mountbatten stations.
LTA said its expert consultants have confirmed that train operations can continue safely while the strengthening works are carried out.
Passengers can refer to LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app and social media platforms, as well as those of CCL operator SMRT, for more information.
Station staff will also be deployed at affected stations to help passengers, especially seniors and those with mobility issues.
