Delivering the three new stations in Singapore’s busy downtown was one of the most difficult engineering projects LTA has completed, Mr Siow said, noting that previously undiscovered coastal structures under the port terminal had to be removed before work could begin.
“Our engineers had to tunnel just 7m below the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, without damaging the nearly 100-year-old structure which we really wanted to conserve,” he said.
“They also had to tunnel under the live Keppel Viaduct – which required careful work to protect the viaduct foundations, so as not to affect road traffic.”
Mr Siow called the three stations the “most beautifully designed stations on our MRT network”. Keppel station is inspired by nature, Prince Edward Road station by Singapore’s maritime heritage and Cantonment station by the former railway station.
“I believe public transport is intricately woven into the history and fabric of a city. It is not just infrastructure; it is part of our collective memories,” Mr Siow said.