Imagine sack cloth drying by the river. That’s “Kadut” in Malay. “Sungei” means river. So, Sungei Kadut literally means “sack cloth river.”
Today we’re exploring Sungei Kadut. This industrial estate and planning area sits in the North Region of Singapore. It’s a place of transformation and innovation.
Back in the 1900s, Sungei Kadut was a mangrove swamp. It stretched all the way to what is now Kranji Reservoir. During World War II, Japanese soldiers first entered Singapore through this area. Later, it transformed into an industrial site.
In the 1970s and 80s, furniture making and milling factories became common here. These factories created a fire hazard. There were many fires because of combustible materials. A fire post was established. One major fire even stopped MRT train operations. In 2008, the worst blaze took over four hours to extinguish. Many companies suffered huge losses due to lack of insurance.
Sungei Kadut is divided into five subzones. These are Kranji, Turf Club, Gali Batu, Pang Sua and Reservoir View.
Currently, Kranji MRT station serves the area. But a new station is planned. The Sungei Kadut MRT station will open in the mid-2030s. It will link the North-South and Downtown lines.
SMRT Bus Service 925 also serves the area. It runs from Woodlands to Choa Chu Kang. Other bus services pass by Woodlands Road.
Sungei Kadut is primarily an industrial area. So, there are few houses and amenities. The Singapore Turf Club is a main attraction near Kranji MRT. It offers horse racing and the KF1 Karting Circuit. The Kranji War Memorial is also nearby. It honors those who died in service. Jalan Rasok is a small housing estate with landed properties. There are also migrant worker dormitories. These include Westlite Mandai, Westlite Kranji Way and Kranji Lodge 1. A recreation centre exists for migrant workers.
The Gali Batu MRT Depot is here too. SBS Transit operates it. It’s the main facility for Downtown line trains. A bus terminal is also in its premises. Another bus depot is under construction to replace the Kranji Bus Depot.
Sungei Kadut is being rejuvenated. Four new precincts are being built. They focus on agri-food technology, waste management, metal, timber and furniture industries. The Sungei Kadut Eco-District is taking shape. Clusters of synergistic businesses will be housed in multi-tenanted developments. Examples are Agri-Food Innovation Park and Kranji Green. Nature trails and activity corridors will add greenery and lifestyle amenities.
Sungei Kadut Eco-District supports the transformation of existing businesses. It also fosters new, environmentally friendly industries. Agri-tech and environmental technology are key focuses.
Sungei Kadut has a significant influence. It’s transforming to meet the needs of the manufacturing sector. This includes high-tech businesses and knowledge-based jobs.
The Agri-Food Innovation Park is capitalizing on the demand for sustainable food options. Moving to Kranji Green allows companies to establish themselves in environmental technology.
The government plans to triple the number of trees in industrial areas. This is part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It promotes green construction.
Sungei Kadut Eco-District emphasizes sustainability. It will support the development of green technologies. It also advances zero waste goals in Singapore.
Sungei Kadut is more than just a workplace. It’s becoming an attractive lifestyle destination. It contributes significantly to Singapore’s economy and future.