Commuters travelling on the Circle Line (CCL) from Jan 17 to Apr 19, 2026, will be affected by longer waiting times of up to 30 minutes, as tunnel strengthening works will be conducted between Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar stations.
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A phenomenon known as tunnel squatting; steel plates are to be installed along the circumference of the tunnel wall
In addition to relocating cable brackets, workers prepare for the tunnel closure by installing corbels, which are the bottom pieces of the steel structure that will reinforce the tunnel. (Images: Screengrab from LTA)
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Dec 1, 2025, said tunnel strengthening works between Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar stations are required due to a phenomenon known as tunnel squatting, as those tunnels were built through soft marine clay.
LTA said it has been monitoring the situation over the past decade, and following the conduct of comprehensive scans since similar tunnel works in 2023, it identified three localised sectors between Stadium and Paya Lebar stations that are more affected by tunnel squatting.
LTA added that it engaged expert consultants to carry out detailed assessments, and they confirmed that train services can continue safely in the affected tunnel stretches, while it closes the three affected sectors one at a time for tunnel strengthening works.
Longer blocks of engineering hours are required, said LTA, as work teams will be deployed to install steel plates along the circumference of the affected tunnel segments, adding that it aims to complete the works before the opening of CCL stage 6.
Expect additional waiting times of up to 30 minutes on CCL; new shuttle bus services will operate during peak periods
Image: SGTrains Graphics
As tunnel strengthening works are being carried out on the two tunnels connecting Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar stations, one tunnel at a time, shuttle trains will operate on one platform at 10-minute frequencies using the remaining open tunnel.
LTA said commuters should factor in additional waiting times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours, and it encourages commuters to consider travel options other than taking the affected stretch on the CCL.
“Where possible, commuters should consider other MRT lines to avoid the affected sections of the CCL,” added LTA.
Four new shuttle bus services will be running from Jan 5, 2026, two weeks before the start of the tunnel closure. (Image: SGTrains Graphics)
Commuters who are affected can use new shuttle bus services that supplement CCL train services during weekday peak periods, providing an alternative travel option to reach unaffected parts of the train network.
LTA said the new shuttle bus services, which follow the same fare structure as trains, will commence on Jan 5 – two weeks before the start of the tunnel closure – for commuters to familiarise themselves with a new travel route.
- Shuttle 37A (weekday morning peak) – one-way from Serangoon (CC13) to Tai Seng (CC11), MacPherson (CC10), and Paya Lebar (CC9): 3-5 mins frequency
- Shuttle 37B (weekday evening peak) – one-way from Tai Seng (CC11) to Bishan (CC15): 3-5 mins frequency
- Shuttle 37C (weekday evening peak) – one-way from Tai Seng (CC11) to Serangoon (CC13): 3-5 mins frequency
- Shuttle 38 (weekday peak) – connecting both ways between Paya Lebar (CC9), Dakota (CC8), Mountbatten (CC7), and Stadium (CC6): 6-10 mins frequency
Commuters can also use regular bus services that ply the affected stretches to continue their journey, said LTA.
Commuters are recommended to travel using other MRT routes
LTA said commuters travelling during morning and evening peak periods “may find it faster and more convenient” to travel using other MRT routes, avoiding the crowded CCL stretches.
Recommended alternative travel routes during train service adjustments along Circle Line from 17 January to 19 April 2026. (Image: SGTrains Graphics)
Commuters travelling from the North East region along the North East Line (NEL) to the west are encouraged to take the NEL to Outram Park station and continue their journey on the East-West Line (EWL) – instead of transferring to the CCL at Serangoon station.
Commuters travelling from the North East region along the NEL to one-north and Kent Ridge stations are encouraged to take the NEL to HarbourFront for transfer to the CCL to those destinations – instead of transferring to the CCL at Serangoon station.
Station staff will be deployed at the affected MRT stations
During the period of tunnel strengthening works, commuters may refer to LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms, for more information and updates.
LTA would also conduct roadshows and engage affected commuters are selected CCL stations and key transport nodes before the service adjustments commence.
Posters and station announcements would be implemented at all CCL stations and selected stations on alternate MRT lines that interchange with CCL stations.
Station staff will also be deployed at affected stations to render assistance to commuters, especially seniors and those with mobility needs.
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Related Links
Train Service Status – SGTrains
Circle Line – SGTrains
External Links
Train Service Adjustments to Circle Line for Tunnel Works – LTA
Service Announcement – Operations of Shuttle 37 and 38 during Train Service Adjustments along Circle Line – SMRT
Images: SGTrains, SGTrains Graphics.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.
Last updated on 04 Jan 2026.