SINGAPORE : Residents living near Republic Polytechnic in Woodlands could see greater interest in their properties.

This is because the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said they plan to build a station there that will integrate the upcoming Thomson Line (TSL) with the proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

This station will be the northernmost terminal station of the Thomson Line.

The LTA also announced plans to have an interchange at the existing North-South Line's Woodlands station for commuters to transfer onto the Thomson Line.

The Thomson Line will run fully underground from Woodlands through the Central Business District to Marina Bay. It will pass through the Ang Mo Kio, Sin Ming and Thomson areas before it reaches the city.

Also announced was the location of the Thomson Line Depot, which will be at Mandai.

The planned 32-hectare train depot will be Singapore's largest.

Construction on the depot will begin end 2012, and it will provide stabling and maintenance facilities for up to 90 Thomson Line trains.

The government will be acquiring a 40-hectare piece of land currently occupied by Orchidville, Singapore's largest orchid farm, for the depot.

The farm will receive statutory compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, and will have till end 2012 to vacate the premises.

The Thomson Line, targetted for completion by 2018, is currently undergoing a detailed engineering study.

The LTA said it would release more details on the line at a later date after the study is completed.

- CNA /ls