The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) railway system in Singapore was conceived by city planners as early as 1967. After deciding that a rail system was necessary to meet the demands of a land-scarce nation, the Government commenced the $5 billion construction of the Mass Rapid Transit network, Singapore’s largest public works project at that time. The opening of Boon Lay Station on the East West Line on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the system.