1. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) today marked the start of construction of the S$12 billion, 40km Downtown Line with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Chinatown Station on DTL1.

2. The 4.3km fully underground DTL1 will comprise six stations: Chinatown, Cross Street, Landmark, Bayfront, Promenade and Bugis. Construction for DTL1 will be completed by 2013.

3. When completed, DTL1 will provide a strategic transport link to serve workers, residents and visitors in the exciting Marina Bay area and upcoming developments such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts and the Marina Bay Financial Centre. DTL1 will run through some of the busiest and most vibrant corridors in the city such as Bugis and Chinatown and ease congestion at major interchanges like Dhoby Ghaut and Raffles Interchange.

4. To date, five contracts have been awarded for DTL1. The remaining two contracts, for Bugis and Promenade stations, will be awarded by year-end. (Please refer to Annex 1 for DTL1 contracts awarded)

5. The Government's continued investment in public rail infrastructure underline the importance of a comprehensive and reliable transportation network to support the economy and enhance the quality of life for all Singaporeans. Plans for new rail lines such as the Thomson Line, the Eastern Region Line and new extensions to the North-South and East-West Lines announced in January 2008 are already underway. This will see an investment of S$20 billion in rail projects over the next 10 to 15 years. By 2020, Singapore's rail line will have doubled to 278 km. The rail network will be comprehensive enough to provide access to points across the island, supporting Singapore's vision for public transport as a choice mode of travel. These rail projects will offer ample opportunities for qualified local and international companies to bid for projects.

6. In carrying out these infrastructure projects, workplace and workers' safety will remain a key priority. To help achieve higher standards, LTA adopts international safety and health best practices. Stringent guidelines are enforced to ensure safety at worksites. These initiatives have helped LTA to better manage our projects and have resulted in a decline in the accident frequency rate and death rates at our construction sites. The number of accidents per million man-hours clocked fell by about 40% in 2007 compared to 2003. These improvements are the result of deliberate and consistent application of safety standards at our worksites. (Please refer to Annex 2 for LTA's Safety Records)

About the Downtown Line

7. The DTL will be built in three stages, with Stage 2 to be completed in 2015 and Stage 3 in 2016. When fully completed, the DTL will strengthen the connectivity of the Rapid Transit System network and facilitate direct travel from the northwestern and eastern areas of the island to the Central Business District and the Marina Bay. The DTL is projected to see a daily ridership of more than half a million when in full operation.

8. For commuters, the DTL will offer significant savings in travelling time. For example, a public transport journey from Bukit Panjang to the city centre will be reduced by a third from the current 1 hour. The DTL will help reduce travel time for commuters in Bedok Reservoir and Tampines area who currently need to take bus to transfer to the MRT stations on the East-West Line. It will also relieve passenger crowding at the East-West Line, particularly during the peak within peak period.

Enclosures
Annex 1: DTL1 Contracts Awarded
Annex 2: LTA's Safety Record