Government announced to build the Eastern Region Line - MRT

In addition to the upcoming Circle Line expected to be completed by 2010, the government has announced plans to build three new lines, namely the Bukit Timah Line, the Eastern Region Line and the Jurong Region Line. The three lines are estimated to cost more than S$11 billion and will be built within the next 10 to 15 years.

Comments

Referring to the above MRT System Map which I received from an email almost a year ago (understand it was initially posted on LTA website but was eventually taken off to avoid confusion/speculation by the public), the Eastern Region Line will complement the existing East West Line and enhance inter- and intra-town travelling in the eastern region. The line will benefit residents in Tampines, Bedok, Marine Parade, Macpherson and Kaki Bukit.

Bedok will be one of the 5 interchange stations for the Eastern Region Line and more often than not, the government will prefer developments to be intensified within 100 to 200 metres radius of a MRT station.

With the ageing Bedok Central, are we going to witness an urban renewal of this town in the next 5 to 10 years? Already HDB is currently constructing about 10 blocks of high rise HDB flats near the MRT station. In addition, FRASERS Centrepoint Ltd (FCL) bought the Bedok and Changi theatre sites (near the MRT) for $40.8 million in Nov 2006 and plans to develop the leasehold sites into a mall.

Furthermore, Professor S Jayakumar, DPM, MP - East Coast GRC, announced in Dec 2005 that East Coast Town, which includes places like Bedok and Siglap, is slated for a makeover over the next 5 years in a programme with a price tag of S$500 million.

So let's cross our fingers and hope for the best!