We may complain a lot about train delays and MRT breakdowns, but at the end of the day, it’s still the most used public transport option that gets most of us from point A to point B. And for a while now, there’s been something big in the works: the Cross Island Line (CRL). We’ve done the roundup for you, so here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Image credit: LTA
Slated to be Singapore’s 8th MRT line, the Cross Island Line is also going to be the longest fully underground one yet – stretching about 67km across the island.
Something else you probably didn’t know: the line will cut through a nature reserve, which could put wildlife at risk. So the solution is to dig 70m below ground in that area – roughly the height of a 25-storey HDB block.
Instead of just linking neighbourhoods, the CRL is designed to connect the dots between major hubs like Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and the Changi region. In other words, it’s not just about getting from home to work, but also making cross-island travel more convenient.
The line will also feature 12 interchange stations when it’s fully operational. This means more alternative routes and fewer headaches the next time your usual MRT route decides to sabo you.
Artist’s impression of Turf City Station.
Image credit: LTA
The Cross Island Line is being built in 3 phases, so we’ll need a bit of patience before we can zip across the island in record time.
Phase 1 (CRL1) is expected to be ready by 2030, with 12 stations running from CR2 Aviation Park to CR13 Bright Hill. This portion will mainly serve residential and industrial areas like Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North, and Ang Mo Kio.
As for Phase 2 (CRL2), construction for its 6 stations kicked off in July 2025, and you can look forward to hopping on by 2032. The CRL-Punggol Extension has also been in the works since October 2023, with the same 2032 completion target.
The newly announced Phase 3 (CRL3) will extend further west with 4 stations, one of which interchanges with the Jurong Region Line, before ending at CR23 Gul Circle, which links to the East-West Line. Construction for this last phase is planned to start next year, and will be completed in the late 2030s.
All in all, we can expect CRL1, CRL2 and the Punggol Extension to be fully up and running by 2032, and the entire line to be fully up and running by the late 2030s.
Artist’s impression of Ang Mo Kio Station on the CRL.
Image credit: LTA
There’ll be a total of 27 stations spanning across the island on the CRL. To make things easier, here’s a quick breakdown of the stations so you know which ones will be popping up in your neighbourhood:
Phase 1 (CRL1):
Phase 2 (CRL2):
CRL-Punggol Extension:
Phase 3 (CRL3):
Changi Terminal 5 extension:
Image adapted from: @amktowncouncil via Instagram
For starters, there’ll be a brand-new Changi Terminal 5 (TE32/CR1) interchange station. The upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5 will be directly linked to the city centre and other key hubs via the TEL extension (TELe) and the CRL.
To put that into perspective: a trip from Changi Airport to Ang Mo Kio on the CRL, for instance, will take around 45 minutes – shaving off up to 15 minutes of travel time.
Artist’s impression of the Punggol Station on the CRL.
Image credit: LTA
Another exciting development is the CRL-Punggol Extension. Once it opens, you’ll be able to get from Punggol to Pasir Ris in just 15 minutes – a huge upgrade from the 40-minute bus ride many have to endure now.
Artist’s impression of the Hougang Station on the CRL.
Image credit: LTA
As with any MRT line, the CRL isn’t just about faster travel – it’s about connecting people to the places they live, work, and play. CRL1 alone will benefit over 100,000 households, and even your weekend chill spots like Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will be just a train ride away.
Over in the west, CRL2 will open up MRT access to areas that have been MRT-deprived, like Sunset Way and West Coast. 2 of the 6 stations will be interchange hubs: King Albert Park will link to the Downtown Line, and Clementi connects you straight to the East-West Line.
Meanwhile, those working in the western industrial estates will no longer have to brave long queues for buses. CRL3 will increase access to Taman Jurong and improve connectivity between these industrial estates and the wider MRT network, with 2 of its 4 stations serving as interchange stations.
And for Easties and North-Easties, the CRL-Punggol Extension will finally provide a direct link between eastern and northeastern areas.
We might have to wait until the late 2030s to see the full Cross Island Line in action, but when it’s finally operational, here’s hoping Singaporeans remember to leave their bad MRT habits behind. If everyone does their part, the journey could actually be pleasant for once.
More MRT-related articles:
Cover image adapted from: LTA, @amktowncouncil via Instagram
Originally published on 12th September 2025. Last updated by Celine Wee on 3rd August 2026.
Definitely not for the folks afraid to get down and dirty.
Best deals at A-PRICE Singapore Touch your heart and tell us you don’t love a…
There’s always somewhere new to eat in Singapore.
A different side of Yishun to explore.
Department stores once ruled Singapore’s shopping scene. Now, most of them are defunct.
It now houses authentic regional eateries and preserved pre-war architecture.