SINGAPORE - Commuters heading towards the airport and to the Expo can enjoy easier and faster travel, with a new platform slated to be constructed at the Tanah Merah MRT station. But this will only be ready in about a decade.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) revealed this today in a media release.

Currently, the middle track there is used for trains travelling in both directions between the Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations. Trains heading in have to wait for the existing train to move out before they can enter, resulting in a longer wait.

A new platform and track constructed at the edge of the station will cater to trains heading to Pasir Ris. The middle two tracks will then be dedicated for trains travelling to and from Changi Airport.

An dedicated track catering to trains coming from Pasir Ris will also be built in addition to the existing one. This means the station will have four tracks and three platforms all together, from three tracks and two platforms currently.

LTA said they expect shorter intervals and an improvement in waiting times with the improvements. They will call for a tender next year, and works are slated to begin in 2016. It is expected to complete in 2024.