In the vast tapestry of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network, certain stations stand out not because of grandeur, but because of the stories they quietly hold and the communities they faithfully serve. Aljunied MRT Station (EW9), located on the East–West Line (EWL), is one such station. Elevated above the busy roads of Geylang, with its distinct dome-shaped roof, the station is a subtle landmark that has witnessed the evolution of Singapore’s urban transit system—and the changing face of its neighborhoods.
Foundations of a Transit Lifeline
Aljunied MRT Station was first introduced to the public consciousness in May 1982, part of the early blueprint for what would become one of the world’s most sophisticated urban rail systems. Though seemingly modest today, the station’s announcement was part of an ambitious vision. It was later incorporated into Phase II of the MRT system in October 1983, alongside other stations that would stretch connectivity eastward.
By November 1985, the contract for Aljunied station, along with Kallang and several critical viaducts, was awarded to a joint venture between Lee Kim Tah Ltd and the French construction company SGE. The agreement, known as Contract 302, was valued at approximately S$59.52 million, reflecting the seriousness and scale of the task at hand. The construction began in early 1986, culminating in the station’s opening on 4 November 1989—ahead of schedule.
This quiet punctuality would set the tone for the station’s character in the years to come: dependable, unflashy, yet undeniably essential.
A Station with a Soul: Community, Culture, and Continuity
Aljunied is more than just a pitstop on the green EWL route. Its location in the heart of Geylang, a district historically known for its rich heritage and diverse mix of residential, religious, and commercial zones, positions it as a community-centric station. Aljunied serves the Geylang East subzone, a place named after Syed Omar Aljunied, a respected Arab-Singaporean merchant whose contributions to Singapore’s early development are well documented.
Within walking distance are landmarks like the Geylang Methodist Primary and Secondary Schools and the Geylang East Public Library. These institutions are not just facilities; they are part of a rhythm of life that beats steadily around the station. On weekdays, students in uniform rush through the gates, while retirees and parents with toddlers meander along the pedestrian walkways. In the evenings, office workers from nearby business hubs flow through, blending with the aroma of nearby eateries and food stalls—a sensory reminder of the district’s dynamism.
Design That Speaks of an Era
Architecturally, Aljunied station wears its history with pride. Like its Eastern line counterparts, it features a dome-shaped roof, a design choice that reflects the aesthetics of the late 1980s. This roof has drawn curious comparisons over the years: The Straits Times once likened it to a caterpillar, while another feature suggested it resembled a rib cage. Quirky as these metaphors may be, they underline something important—Aljunied station’s form is memorable.
The dome is more than just a design flourish; it was part of a deliberate attempt by the former MRT Corporation (MRTC) to give the East–West Line stations an "attractive look". In an age when mass transit infrastructure often focused purely on function, this infusion of character stands out, suggesting an early belief that public utilities could—and should—also uplift the visual environment.
Improvements Rooted in Practicality
Despite its age, Aljunied station has not remained frozen in time. Numerous improvements have been added over the years, ensuring that it keeps pace with modern expectations for safety, convenience, and accessibility.
In 2010, it was selected as one of ten MRT stations to receive additional bicycle parking facilities, a nod to Singapore’s evolving transport culture and increasing sustainability consciousness. These facilities were completed in October 2012, and since then, they have served cyclists who use the MRT as part of their multimodal commutes.
Accessibility was also a focal point. In line with the nationwide effort to improve barrier-free access across transport nodes, lifts were installed at pedestrian overhead bridges near Aljunied and several other stations between 2012 and 2013. While Exit B remains partially inaccessible for wheelchair users, the station overall is mostly wheelchair-friendly, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive mobility.
One of the most impactful upgrades occurred in 2011, when half-height platform screen doors were installed. Spurred by rising incidents of track intrusions and accidental falls, these doors significantly improved commuter safety without compromising airflow or visibility. Shortly after, in the first quarter of 2013, high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans were added, offering much-needed relief during Singapore’s humid afternoons.
Adaptability Amidst Operational Shifts
In 2018, Aljunied station was briefly thrust into a more prominent role. During a month-long period of early closures, late openings, and full closures affecting ten stations along the eastern EWL, Aljunied served as a temporary terminus. This was part of a larger maintenance and upgrade campaign involving the integration of a new signaling system. While this role was temporary, it showcased the station’s ability to scale operations and serve as a logistical anchor during critical infrastructure work.
This adaptability is especially noteworthy for a station that is neither an interchange nor a major commercial hub. Aljunied’s willingness to “step up” in times of need echoes its foundational values—quietly reliable, never showy.
The Evolving Surroundings of Aljunied
Over the decades, the area surrounding Aljunied MRT Station has transformed considerably. What was once a neighborhood steeped in low-rise shophouses and traditional trades has increasingly seen the emergence of new residential complexes, co-working spaces, and culinary hotspots. Yet, the character of the district remains intact—a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation.
Sims Avenue and Geylang East Central continue to bustle with life. The food scene near the station is legendary, ranging from budget-friendly local hawkers to well-reviewed niche eateries that attract foodies from across the island. Unlike some stations that feel like sterile conduits for crowds, Aljunied remains deeply embedded in its locale, shaped by and shaping the community around it.
Code and Identity: E4 to EW9
Interestingly, the station’s identity underwent a subtle but meaningful change in August 2001, when its original code—E4—was replaced with the more familiar EW9. This change was part of a system-wide effort to create a clearer, standardized naming system as Singapore’s MRT network rapidly expanded. While seemingly administrative, the code switch also reflects Aljunied’s integration into a broader, more complex transport narrative—one where clarity, consistency, and scalability became increasingly important.
Why Aljunied Still Matters
In an era where attention is often drawn toward sparkling new developments like the Thomson-East Coast Line or the futuristic interchanges at Punggol or Jurong East, stations like Aljunied might seem ordinary by comparison. But that would be a misreading of what truly makes a transport network great.
Aljunied station offers something increasingly rare: a sense of continuity. It embodies the idea that progress doesn’t always require reinvention. Sometimes, it lies in the steady enhancement of what already works. Aljunied has supported generations of commuters without fanfare. It has embraced upgrades while preserving its soul. It connects not just locations, but histories.
For many who grew up in the east, Aljunied station is woven into memories—of school days, library visits, family dinners, and quiet commutes home. For newcomers, it is a welcoming entry point to one of Singapore’s most culturally rich districts.
Looking Ahead: A Station Anchored in Legacy
As Singapore continues to refine and expand its MRT network, stations like Aljunied will likely retain their significance—not just in terms of geography, but in the narrative of urban resilience and adaptability. The infrastructure may evolve further, but the station’s heart seems poised to remain the same.
The challenge for future urban planners and transit designers will be to honor this balance: how to modernize without sterilizing, how to innovate without erasing. Aljunied MRT station offers a compelling blueprint. It stands as a quiet yet essential node—not merely of transport, but of life in motion.