DOWN MEMORY LANE : BUKIT TIMAH & TANJONG PAGAR RAILWAY STATION , SINGAPORE

Both the Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah railway stations are historic landmarks that once formed the backbone of Singapore's rail link to Malaysia. Today, they are the crown jewels of the Rail Corridor, a 24km nature trail.

Here is the current status and history of both stations as of late 2025.

1. Bukit Timah Railway Station (The "Mid-Point")

Restored and reopened in July 2022, this station is currently the most popular community node along the Rail Corridor. It feels like a "time capsule" from the 1930s.

Current Status: Open to the public. It serves as a heritage gallery and recreational site.

Key Highlights:

• Heritage Gallery: The main station building houses a museum featuring track switching levers, a ticketing booth, and signal diagrams.
• 1932 Cafe: The former staff quarters have been converted into a rustic cafe where you can grab local and fusion food.
• The Gardens: Features a "Kampung Garden" with 1960s-era plants like hibiscus and jasmine, and a "Herb and Spice Garden."
• Iconic Bridges: Two black truss bridges (Bukit Timah and Upper Bukit Timah) are located nearby and are famous for photography.

Access: The easiest way to get there is via King Albert Park MRT (Exit A), followed by a 5-minute walk.

2. Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (The "Southern Terminus")

This station is a National Monument known for its grand Art Deco architecture. Unlike Bukit Timah, it is currently a "work in progress."

Current Status: Closed for major restoration. It is expected to reopen around 2026–2028.

Ongoing Work:

• MRT Integration: The new Cantonment MRT Station (Circle Line) is being built directly underneath the station. To facilitate this, parts of the old platforms were dismantled and are being meticulously restored to be reinstated once the MRT station is complete.
• Future Plans: The government recently held an ideas competition to transform the 6.4-hectare site into a "multi-functional community building," likely including food and beverage, heritage galleries, and event spaces.

History: Opened in 1932, it served as the southern gateway to the Malayan Railway (KTM). It was famous for its four large statues on the facade representing Agriculture, Commerce, Transport, and Industry.

Note: While you cannot enter the building yet, you can view its exterior from the Spooner Road entrance of the Rail Corridor.

31/12/2025: 3.05 A.M