CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

The permission to begin the construction of Singapore's then-largest public works project was given in May 1982.A ground-breaking ceremony commenced the construction on 22 October 1983 at Shan Road.The majority of the work was expected to be completed in 1992.This included 67km of track to be constructed,with 42 stations,of which 26 would be elevated,1 at grade and 15 underground.The network was constructed in stages,with the North South Line given priority as the line passed through the Orchard Road corridor as well as the Central Area,both of which faced a high demand for public transport.Also,it was near the more densely populated housing estates such as Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio.The MRT Corporation,now Land Transport Authority,was established on 14 October 1983,taking over the roles and responsibilities of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority.On 6 August 1987,it set up SMRT Corporation.