Single platform service between Mountbatten to Paya Lebar stations 
from 17 January to 19 April 2026

            From 17 January to 19 April 2026, the two tunnels connecting Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations on the Circle Line (CCL) will be closed one at a time for essential tunnel strengthening works (refer to Annex A for further information on the tunnel strengthening works). During this period, shuttle trains will operate on one platform, between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten stations at headways of 10 minutes using the tunnel that remains open.

2          The strengthening works will cause some inconvenience, and commuters should factor in additional waiting times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours. To supplement CCL services and provide commuters with alternative travel options, new shuttle bus services will operate during weekday peak periods to bring commuters to unaffected parts of the train network.

Travel Options for Commuters

3          Throughout this period, commuters are encouraged to consider travel options other than taking the affected stretch on CCL. They will have alternative rail and bus connections, as well as additional shuttle buses introduced as part of this closure. Where possible, commuters should consider other MRT lines to avoid the affected sections of the CCL.

4          Peak-period shuttle bus services listed below will operate to supplement CCL train services. These services will commence on 5 January, about two weeks before the start of the tunnel closure, so that commuters can familiarise themselves with a new travel route. These services will follow the same fare structures as the trains.

(i) Shuttle bus service 38 between Paya Lebar and Stadium stations, operating between 6.30am to 9.30 am and 5pm to 8pm, at headways of 6 to 10 minutes;

(ii) One-way shuttle bus service 37A from Serangoon MRT station to Tai Seng, Macpherson and Paya Lebar stations in the morning from 7am to 9am at headways of about 3 to 5 minutes;

(iii) One-way shuttle bus service 37B from Tai Seng MRT station to Bishan MRT station from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at headways of about 3 to 5 minutes; and

(iv) One-way shuttle bus service 37C from Tai Seng MRT station to Serangoon MRT station from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at headways of about 3 to 5 minutes.

(Please refer to Annex B for details of the shuttle bus services.) 

5          In addition, commuters can also take regular bus services that ply the affected stretches to continue their journey. Commuters travelling during morning and evening peak periods may find it faster and more convenient to travel via other MRT routes, avoiding crowded stretches on the CCL.

(i) Commuters travelling from the North East region on NEL to the west (from Tuas Link to Buona Vista stations) are encouraged to take the North East Line (NEL) to Outram Park interchange station and continue their journey on the East-West Line; instead of transferring to the CCL at Serangoon interchange station.

(ii) Commuters travelling from the North East region on NEL to one-north, Kent Ridge and Buona Vista stations are encouraged to take the NEL to HarbourFront interchange station for transfer to the CCL to these destinations; instead of transferring to CCL at Serangoon interchange station.

6          Commuters may refer to LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app and LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms for more details. LTA will also conduct roadshows and engage affected commuters at selected CCL stations and key transport nodes before the service adjustments commence. Posters and station announcements will be rolled out at all CCL MRT stations and selected stations on alternate MRT lines that interchange with CCL stations. Station staff will also be deployed at affected stations to render assistance to commuters, especially seniors and those with mobility needs.

ANNEX A – Further information on tunnel strengthening works 
ANNEX B – Visual of service adjustments along affected stretch 
ANNEX C – Shuttle bus service details