Havelock MRT station is an underground Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station on the Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL) in the Bukit Merah planning area of Singapore. Spanning Zion Road, the station provides essential connectivity to the Bukit Ho Swee residential estate, the historic Tiong Bahru estate, as well as notable buildings like Tan Boon Liat Building and Holiday Inn.
Development and Construction
Havelock MRT station was first announced on 29 August 2012 as part of the 22-station Thomson line. In February 2014, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded Contract T221 to Gammon Construction Limited for S$210 million (US$156.7 million). This contract covered the design and construction of Havelock Station. Construction commenced in 2014, with the original completion date set for 2021.
In August 2014, the LTA announced the merger of the Thomson line with the Eastern Region line to form the Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL). Havelock station became part of TEL3, a section of the line that includes 13 stations running from Mount Pleasant to Gardens by the Bay.
Challenges and Delays
The construction of Havelock MRT station involved building entrances into hills, including Entrance 3, which serves as a staircase for residents living behind the station. Initially planned to open in January 2022, this timeline was delayed due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The completion date for TEL3 was pushed to June 2022. Transport Minister S. Iswaran announced in Parliament on 9 March 2022 that TEL3 would open in the second half of the year.
Opening and Operations
Havelock MRT station officially opened on 13 November 2022, as announced by Transport Minister S. Iswaran during a visit on 7 October 2022. The station, with the code TE16, is situated between Great World and Outram Park MRT stations on the Thomson–East Coast Line.
Importance and Connectivity
Havelock MRT station plays a crucial role in connecting the Bukit Ho Swee and Tiong Bahru areas, offering residents and visitors easy access to various local amenities and transit options. The station enhances the overall connectivity within the Bukit Merah planning area and provides a valuable link in Singapore's expanding MRT network.
With its strategic location and the benefits it brings to the surrounding community, Havelock MRT station is an important addition to Singapore's public transportation infrastructure, contributing to the city's efficient and well-connected transit system.