Timeline by

1967

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 01:59:39 UTC

In 1967, the idea of a railway system was first brought up. However, Mr Tony Tan, the Trade and Industry Minister then emphasised that we should focus more on building homes for the people instead of a railway system.

1987

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:10:14 UTC

After many years of debates, the first MRT station, Toa Payoh was built. The first MRT line, North-South line, only had 5 stations back then, which lasted up to a mere 6km.

1987

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:26:38 UTC

Mr Ong Teng Cheong, second deputy prime minister attended the opening of the MRT North-South line in 1987

Late 1987

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:29:29 UTC

After the opening of the North-South line, the construction of the East-West line consisting of City Hall, and Raffles Place was built. By the early 1990's the eastern area of Singapore was completed, linking City Hall to Tanah Merah.

1980s

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:36:34 UTC

For the very first time the MRT was open for people to ride. There was a specially arranged train ride where 2 ministers, and 400 locals took the first 2 way trip from Toa Payoh to Yio Chu Kang.

Samsui Women on the opening day

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:37:43 UTC

2003

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:48:44 UTC

The North-East line, costing $5million, was finally completed in 2003. The line comprised of 16 underground stations, lasting up to 20km. The North-East line covers a third of Singapore's land. 2 stations however, Buangkok and Woodleigh were completed in 2006, and 2011 respectively.

2011

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:51:37 UTC

The Circle line, was the 4th MRT line to be completed. The line was Singapore's longest line until 2017, lasting until 36km with 31 stations. There are also 7 interchanges, Harbourfront, Buona Vista, Bishan, Paya Lebar, Serangoon, Dhoby Ghaut and Marina Bay.

2017

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 02:57:16 UTC

The Downtown line, was the 5th MRT line to be completed. It overtook the Circle Line by being the longest line of 42km. There were 34 stations. Though built later than the other lines, the initial idea of it started from 2005. The Downtown line was originally set to help relief some of the heavy traffic loads from Dhoby Ghaut and Raffles Place where most people go to work.

Currently (2024)

yap_sze_yah_daphne — 2024-03-25 03:03:42 UTC

The Thomson Line, Singapore's 6th line has just started construction not too long ago. The initial discussion started from 2008, and was set to be completed by 2019.