Grace Chua Straits Times 10 Jan 12;
THE former Malaysian railway land reopened to the public yesterday, six months after it was returned to Singapore.
Old tracks and equipment have been removed, and the snaking 26km stretch has been levelled and turfed.
Walkers or sightseers are now free to roam along the Rail Corridor, which runs from Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands.
However, three sites remain closed because they have been earmarked for improvement works. These are at Jalan Hang Jebat, Ghim Moh Road and Kampong Bahru Flyover.
Once the works are completed, they will be opened for interim community use from April. That means people can enter the sites for picnics, sports or other activities without having to make a formal booking.
They were picked because they are accessible to the public, not too far from residential areas and have the right kind of terrain, said a spokesman for the Singapore Land Authority. These are general criteria used to identify all sites designated for community use, she added.
The historic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, which has been designated a national monument, also remains closed for maintenance and structural inspections. Information on its reopening will be provided in due course, said the authority.
Avid nature photographer Richard Koh, 56, last shot the railway tract before Malayan Railway trains stopped running last June. He said: 'I'm about to go there and take another look.
'We should maintain this corridor as it is for as long as possible, for future generations to enjoy it as well.'
Malaysia returned the site to Singapore in July, in exchange for land parcels in Marina South and Ophir-Rochor.
SLA identifies sites along Rail Corridor for interim community use
Channel NewsAsia 9 Jan 12;
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has identified three sites along the Rail Corridor and adjacent vacant state land for interim community use.
These sites are near Jalan Hang Jebat, Ghim Moh Road and Kampong Bahru Flyover.
SLA said it is carrying out improvement works at these sites, which have been cordoned off for safety reasons.
They will be progressively opened (for interim community use) from April 2012.
It said the public can enjoy free access to these sites for recreational activities with no advance booking required.
SLA said the sites will be available until long-term development plans for the Rail Corridor and its surroundings are determined.
As for the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, SLA said it will remain closed for now for maintenance works and structural inspection.
Information on its re-opening will be given in due course.
SLA has also urged the public to exercise caution and be responsible for their safety when accessing the Rail Corridor.
They are also reminded not to litter or deface the railway structures.
Separately, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is doing a comprehensive review of development plans for the former railway land and surrounding areas.
URA will study the proposal to maintain a continuous green link along the Rail Corridor while balancing the need for development.
The public is welcome to provide suggestions and ideas on its future use (of the Rail Corridor) to enhance the living environment.
- CNA/cc
