We’re excited for the Circle Line MRT train loop to finally be completed in 2026, with three new train stations improving accessibility in Singapore’s south. But before that happens, there’s the necessary pain of construction and repair works for an overall improvement of the train line. Other than later starts and earlier ends to the Circle Line's operating hours all the way through end December 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also announced significant delays on the same line for three months in early 2026 due to tunnel works surrounding the underground route between Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar MRT stations.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Circle Line train delays in 2026, the additional time expected for your daily commutes, and information on shuttle services during this period.
When will the Circle Line train delays be happening in 2026?
The tunnel works will be happening from January 17 to April 19, 2026. Scheduled train delays will be happening throughout that entire period.
What are the Circle Line tunnel works in 2026 even for?
According to LTA, tunnel squatting has been discovered in some parts of the Circle Line train tunnels. This is a natural occurrence caused by the soft marine clay used in the construction of the tunnels, and can eventually lead to structural compromisation. Tunnel squatting is common, and passengers do not need to worry about their safety, especially since the issue is already in the process of being addressed.
Which MRT train stations will be affected?
The tunnels identified for reinforcement works are the ones connecting Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar MRT stations, so these are the locations that will be the most affected. However, we can expect the entire Circle Line route to experience delays during this time, including interchange stations like Bishan, Serangoon, and Buona Vista which are often packed during peak hours on weekdays in the morning and evening.
How much longer will train journeys on the Circle Line take during repair works?
Now here’s the bad news: Depending on your route, you can expect up to 30 minutes of additional waiting time at Circle Line stations from January 17 to April 19, 2026. Commuters are strongly advised to factor in extra travel time based on this, or try alternative routes on different MRT lines or via bus instead.
Some specific delays to be aware of:
- Between HarbourFront and Paya Lebar: intervals will increase from two minutes to three
- Between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten: intervals will increase from three minutes to 10
- Between Mountbatten and Dhoby Ghaut/Marina Bay: intervals will increase from six minutes to 10
Are there shuttle services for affected Circle Line MRT routes?
Thankfully, yes. In fact, the shuttle services will begin on January 5, 2026, which gives everyone a two-week window to try out an altered commute. Here are the key shuttle bus services to take note of:
- 38: Between Paya Lebar and Stadium MRT stations (6.30am to 9.30am, 5pm to 8pm, in intervals of six to 10 minutes)
- 37A: One-way service from Serangoon to Tai Seng, Macpherson, and Paya Lebar MRT stations (7am to 9am, in intervals of three to five minutes)
- 37B: One-way service from Tai Seng to Bishan MRT station (5.30pm to 7.30pm, in intervals of three to five minutes)
- 37C: One-way service from Tai Seng to Serangooon MRT station (5.30pm to 7.30pm, in intervals of three to five minutes)
Are the shuttle buses free?
The shuttle bus services launched to mitigate crowd levels along the Circle Line are not free-of-charge. However, you can expect the costs involved to more or less be on par with that of regular train fares, which are set based on distance.
Find out more about the Circle Line tunnel works in 2026 here.
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