By Hoe Yeen Nie | Posted:
09 July 2011 1634 hrs
SINGAPORE: The National Development Ministry is
studying ways to retain the old KTM railway tracks as a green spine
for nature and leisure.
Writing in his blog on Saturday, National Development Minister Khaw
Boon Wan said he sees a "green opportunity" for urban development
that will not compromise the development potential of the lands
surrounding the track.
He hopes Singaporeans will come forward with their ideas to
"co-develop a workable and practical scheme".
Mr Khaw said he had hoped to take on the project himself, but with
housing matters taking up most of his time, he found a ready
volunteer in Minister of State Tan Chuan-Jin.
Mr Khaw said Brigadier-General Tan has identified several angles to
work from: the green aspect, heritage and history, and innovation
land use marrying development and conservation.
BG Tan has been tasked to consult widely with experts, volunteers,
students and residents, and on Saturday morning, he took a trek
along the railway accompanied by several non-governmental
organisations such as the Nature Society.
The Nature Society has suggested conserving the railway line as a
green corridor.
The railway line running through Singapore closed after the KTM
train station at Tanjong Pagar moved to Woodlands on July 1.
- CNA/cc