North East Line

The North East Line: Ahead of its time

Built using the latest technology and engineering techniques of its time, NEL heralded an era of automated and driverless mass rapid transit systems, an enhanced commuter experience and the beginning of our multi-modal, integrated public transport model.

Connecting residential areas in the north-east to Singapore’s heritage areas and the city fringe, its development was aimed at serving growing neighbourhoods in these regions.

The 22km line has 17 stations, and connects to six interchanges.

Train and Station Features

Train and Station Features

Length of rail
22km

Number of stations
17

Number of interchanges
6

NEL is the world’s first fully automated underground driverless heavy rail rapid transit line.

It is also the first MRT line to take accessibility into account, with the most number of lifts at the time and the first tactile guidance system.

The rolling stock of the train is Alstom Metropolis C751A, C751C and C851E. The 25 C751A trains are currently undergoing mid-life upgrading works and the first upgraded trains that entered passenger service on 28 February 2022. Works are expected to be completed by the first-quarter of 2026.

Design and Architecture

Design and Architecture

Besides automation, NEL was also the first to incorporate art into its stations. Stations were also designed to allow for future expansions to cater to the growing population.

Punggol Coast Station (PGC) is fully integrated with the Punggol Digital District (PDD) development, which was built concurrently. Operations and maintenance are one of the key design objectives for PGC. The station interior features a double-volume space and LTA’s in-house architects and engineers addressed this challenge in an innovative way by locating all high-level ceiling M&E services behind the concourse walls, so that they are easily accessible. PGC's supporting structure is fully expressed in off-form concrete, inspired by the mangrove forest, with 11 mega-columns branching out in complex, root-like beams that span across the concourse. Additionally, the use of cladding finishes was greatly reduced, pioneering the use of off-form concrete as the primary design feature, resulting in a unique aesthetic for an underground station. The spaces in PGC are also thoughtfully crafted with user experience in mind – through early engagement with stakeholders in the design concept phase. PGC is the first station designed with a public space at its entrance, which serves as a venue for events and community programmes, fostering community engagement and connection.

Roof canopy at Pagoda Street exit at Chinatown MRT station

When designing stations, the placement of entrances is carefully deliberated so that they serve the community and integrate well with the existing community fabric. Chinatown is a conservation district with limited space between shophouses. The Pagoda Street entrance and roof canopy were carefully inserted between two rows of shophouses. The glass and steel framing are light and non-intrusive so that commuters can appreciate the intricacies of the conserved façade and five-foot ways.

One of the exits at Serangoon MRT station

As an Integrated Transport Hub (ITH), Serangoon MRT station exemplifies the idea of providing for integration with future development. The station offers seamless, air-conditioned connections to a bus interchange and commercial developments. This maximises land use, speeds up transit connections and makes life more convenient. Beyond taking the train to or from work, commuters can grab a meal, run errands, pick up groceries and spend quality time with their loved ones.

Escalator leading to the platform at Sengkang MRT station

Sengkang MRT station is an ITH with an MRT, LRT, bus interchange, commercial and residential developments. When the station opened in 2003, the surrounding developments were not built yet. The space planning of the station took future connections into consideration and adopted a simple layout to allow clear and easy wayfinding to help commuters navigate to the various modes of transport. The atrium-like open layout and glass enclosure in the station design allow visual connections across levels and spaces, making wayfinding in and out of the station easier.

North East Line

The North East Line: Ahead of its time

Train and Station Features

Train and Station Features

Design and Architecture

Design and Architecture

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