Year-end Spotlight: Contract 882 - Keppel

14 December 2025 - The three station exits of Keppel station at year's end.

To wrap up the end of the year, we're doing a short "Spotlight" series for the Circle Line Stage 6 (CCL6). In this series, we'll look at the progress made at the various CCL6 stations through the course of the year. For the first entry, we're kicking things off with none other than Keppel station.

Over the past year, the station has made quite some progress. Some of the significant developments at the station include the complete installation of the station's exits' architectural features and facades, the various mechanical and electrical systems and general fit out of permanent structures. Over the course of the year, the station's structures at street level have been completed to a level that appears ready for commercial operation.

Exit 1
At the main exit, which also features direct access to an underground bicycle parking facility, works on the exit's roof structure were completed. A nearby integrated bus stop and pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) facility were also completed. The station exits and linkways are designed to evoke the appearance of trees. The supporting piers branch off, mimicking the appearance of a tree trunk while the ceiling panels of the sheltered linkway mimic wooden panels.

1 February 2025 - How it started:

14 December 2025 - How its going:

14 December 2025 - A view of the sheltered linkway, with the supporting piers mimicking tree
trunks with branches.

14 December 2025 - A view of the ceiling panels mimicking wooden panels.

An interesting feature of the station exits are the perforated metal rain screens. Up close, they appear to be regular bronze rain screens. However, in the presence of light, an intricate pattern of leaves begins to appear. These lend a unique individuality to the station, being the only station on the line to receive such treatment.

14 December 2025 - A view of the architectural feature unique to Keppel station.

14 December 2025 - A close up view of the architectural feature, with the pattern of leaves visible
on the rain screens.

Exit 2
It was a similar story at Exit 2, across the road from the main exit. At the beginning of the year, it was all bare bones as the structure for the roof was installed, albeit without its architectural fittings. By the year's end, the exit looked ready to be opened.

1 February 2025 - How it started: the frame of the roof structure was in place but no architectural
components were installed yet.

14 December 2025 - How its going: the completed exit about ready to open to commuters. The
bus stop is located right in front of the exit while the PUDO facility is to the right of the image.

1 February 2025 - How it started: bare bones as the concrete structures had yet to be tiled.

14 December 2025 - How its going: all dolled up with tiling.

Several first & last train information panels could be seen already affixed to the exit's exterior at various locations. These are among the first to be seen at any of the new stations along the section of line. Currently, the panels are empty with no information other than the station name & line operator indicated.

14 December 2025 - A first & last train information panel seen at the exit.

14 December 2025 - A close up view of the information panel, with details not yet included.

Exit 3
The final exit of the station is where the letter boxes will be located. Here too, the station structures have made good progress to getting into a ready state for revenue service through the completion of the structure.

1 February 2025 - How it started: much work remains before the station can be opened to public.

14 December 2025 - How its going: looking a lot more ready.

14 December 2025 - A view of the station letter boxes at Exit 3.

To date, operator SMRT has yet to put up any of the retail units within the 3 new stations up for commercial bids. This should be done several months before the line opens for commercial operation, as previously seen along the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).

Additionally, all 3 exits at Keppel station were notably lacking the public transport logo caplet sign. Also absent were the signs where the station name would be displayed at the respective exits. Some wiring was noticeable for these signs to be added in closer to completion.

14 December 2025 - Wires hanging off the side of Exit 1 for installation of station name signage.

14 December 2025 - A close up view of the wires at Exit 1.

14 December 2025 - Similar wires were seen at Exit 3 as well.

14 December 2025 - A close up view of the wires at Exit 3.

With all the developments through the year, the station is a few steps closer to opening for revenue service. We look forward to the continued developments ahead of the line's opening in the first half of 2026. Till then, wishing all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This post will be available on Instagram & Facebook on 16 December 2025.