Singapore footpath wars: Why reclaiming car space could solve the PMD and PMA problem

Singapore's Circle Line, a landmark transportation project spanning over three decades, reached its long-awaited completion with the opening of its final three stations—Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road—on July 12. For the engineers and officials who dedicated years to bringing the project to fruition, the milestone represents not just a technical achievement but a deeply personal one, marked by pride, perseverance, and a shared vision of improving urban mobility. The project, which began operations in 2009, has undergone extensive expansion and refinement over the years. Now, with these last stations completed, the Circle Line forms a full loop connecting major parts of Singapore’s central business district and residential areas. Engineers involved in the construction expressed a profound sense of accomplishment, noting how their efforts would directly impact daily commutes for thousands of residents. The new stations are expected to reduce travel times by approximately 10 minutes for many commuters, offering a more efficient alternative to road transport in some of the city's busiest corridors. Senior civil project engineer Sheron Lee, who joined the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as a fresh graduate seven years ago, played a pivotal role in constructing the Prince Edward Road station. She described the task as particularly challenging due to the need to coordinate construction activities in the narrow, heavily trafficked areas around Shenton Way and Keppel Road. Now, with the station completed, Lee feels a deep sense of satisfaction, especially knowing that her husband can now commute to his part-time classes at the National University of Singapore (NUS) via the new station, eliminating the need for a lengthy detour involving buses and trains. Jeryl Ong, a senior project engineer responsible for monitoring safety testing, train movements, and equipment, emphasized the meticulous nature of the work. He joined the LTA in 2019 and spent countless hours ensuring the system operated smoothly. His responsibilities included handling unexpected issues during off-hours, often requiring him to work late shifts. Balancing this demanding schedule with family life proved difficult, particularly with two young children. However, Ong now looks forward to showing his children the newly opened stations, allowing them to witness firsthand the results of his labor. Meanwhile, Jega Devarajan, a senior project engineer for rail services, managed the electrical systems of the three new stations. His role demanded constant vigilance, as he needed to respond promptly to alarms even outside regular working hours. This responsibility sometimes encroached upon his personal time with his wife and three children, including an 11-year-old twin boy and girl. Despite these challenges, Devarajan remains committed to the project, recognizing its significance in enhancing public transport efficiency. Former LTA deputy chief executive for infrastructure Chua Chong Kheng, who served as the Circle Line project director, reflected on the collective effort behind the project. He noted that each phase of the Circle Line's development presented unique challenges, yet the team consistently found ways to adapt and overcome obstacles. Chua acknowledged the contributions of multiple generations of officers who worked tirelessly to ensure the project’s success, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defined the endeavor. With the completion of the Circle Line, Singapore’s public transport network continues to evolve, reflecting the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new stations not only provide practical benefits for commuters but also serve as a testament to the dedication of those who shaped the project over nearly three decades. As the Circle Line enters its next chapter, it stands as a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and the enduring pursuit of progress in urban infrastructure.