SINGAPORE - Train services at all Circle Line (CCL) stations will end earlier at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays and start later at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays between Sept 5 and Dec 28.

This is to allow time to test the integration of systems across the MRT line before the opening of CCL Stage 6 in the first half of 2026, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the line’s operator SMRT said on Aug 12.

The weekends of Oct 3 to 5, Nov 28 to 30, and Dec 5 to 7 are excluded from these early closures and late openings, meaning that train service will operate at regular hours during these weekends.

LTA and SMRT said they had completed in July the installation of a new integrated supervisory control system after six years of works. This system monitors and manages power supply, communications and station facilities on the CCL.

The system, which also supports communications between stations, control centres and trains, needed to be refreshed to ensure it is compatible with the new stretch of stations on CCL6.

The next phase of works can now begin, which is to carry out systems integration testing across the entire CCL. “This testing ensures reliable service can be delivered after CCL6 is completed,” said LTA and SMRT.

CCL6 – which comprises three new underground stations, Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road – will close the loop between HarbourFront and Marina Bay stations.

The closures between September and December will allow for longer engineering hours, which are needed for the integration and compatibility testing to be carried out “safely and rigorously”.

The authorities advised passengers to plan their journeys and rely on other MRT lines and bus services to reach their destinations.

Affected commuters can also use shuttle bus services during the late opening period from 5am to 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. These shuttles will serve most CCL stations, LTA and SMRT said.

“Commuters may experience up to 30 minutes of additional travel time expected due to the service adjustments,” they added.

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