On 29 March, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launched a new exhibition titled “A River Runs Through It”.

This exhibition is a call for public feedback on a preliminary conceptual plan to improve connectivity along the 14km-long Kallang River, and to revitalise the areas around it.

Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong officiated at the launch of the exhibition.

Potential for Rejuvenation

Aerial view of possible enhancements along the Kallang River

The Kallang River is Singapore’s longest natural river. Originating from Lower Peirce Reservoir, the river passes through many housing and industrial areas such as Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh, Bendemeer, and Kallang Bahru before merging into the Kallang Basin.

Some 800,000 people now live within 2km of the Kallang River. Over the next 20 years, there is potential to introduce another 100,000 dwelling units into the area.

Waterfront rejuvenation started in the 1980s in Singapore, following the clean-up of both the Singapore River and the Kallang Basin. Over the past 30 years, the government has focused on the Singapore River, Marina Bay, and the Kallang Basin. The time is ripe to begin discussions about the further rejuvenation of the Kallang River.

URA also hopes to upgrade underpasses and to build new ones in the area, including one under Sims Avenue that would help connect Kallang MRT station to the Singapore Sports Hub. Pedestrian crossings at Serangoon Road and Bendemeer Road are also expected to be widened to facilitate cycling.

The existing CTE crossing could be widened and deepened for a more conducive environment for active mobility

Currently, cyclists travelling along the Kallang River face several obstacles, including an 83-step climb with their bicycles up a pedestrian overhead bridge across the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and a 47-step descent on the other side. Once the new underpasses and crossings are completed, they will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted bicycle ride from Ang Mo Kio to Gardens by the Bay along the Kallang River.

Underpasses at Kallang Bahru could provide barrier-free access for cyclists

Public Feedback on Proposals

URA is now seeking public feedback on the proposals at the exhibition. You are welcome to give your feedback online at ura.sg/kallangriver. We look forward to receiving your views and suggestions on how to make the area around the Kallang River even better!