SINGAPORE: The S$436m extension of the East–West Line by 3·8 km from Boon Lay to Pioneer and Joo Koon opened on February 28.

A date has now been set for the inauguration of the Circle Line. Phase 1 will commence operations on May 30, when five stations at Bartley, Serangoon, Lorong Chuan, Bishan and Marymount will enter service. Further stages are expected to open from 2010 onwards. A total of 120 cars will be required on the 42 km line when it is fully operational.

Meanwhile LTA has awarded a S$410·7m contract for design and construction of the depot and control centre for Downtown Line Stages 1 and 2 to a joint venture comprising GS Engineering & Construction Co of Korea and Hock Lian Seng Infrastructure Ltd of Singapore.