SINGAPORE – Construction of the Lentor and Mayflower MRT stations has officially begun following the ground-breaking ceremonies today (Sept 6). The two stations are on the Thomson-East Coast Line and are expected to be ready by 2020.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, officiated at both ceremonies. Speaking at the events, he said the new Thomson-East Coast Line will improve connectivity for residents.

The 43km line, Singapore’s sixth rail line, will connect residents in the north directly to the city centre and East Coast, as well as the wider MRT network. Mr Lee said the Lentor MRT station will bring schools, work places and amenities much closer to home, and make public transport even more convenient and attractive to residents in the Yio Chu Kang area, while the Mayflower station will become a touch-point for the Kebun Baru neighbourhood.

Mr Lee added that the architecture of the Mayflower station will be based on the theme of birds, to reflect Kebun Baru’s active bird singing club. Mr Lee said he hopes residents will understand the temporary inconveniences brought about by the construction of the stations, but he assured them that the Land Transport Authority will take all possible measures to minimise these inconveniences. CHANNEL NEWSASIA