Critics of the North-South Corridor project argue that the decade-long construction timeline has placed an undue burden on the public and local businesses. While infrastructure development is necessary, the scale and duration of the work have created a 'construction fatigue' that affects the quality of life for residents living near the site. Constant noise, dust, and the frequent rerouting of traffic have disrupted the daily routines of thousands, leading to a sense of frustration that the government has not adequately addressed.
Small businesses, in particular, have suffered as a result of the prolonged disruption. Many shops and eateries located along the construction path have seen a decline in customers due to reduced visibility and difficult access. For these business owners, the promise of future connectivity offers little comfort when they are struggling to survive the present. There is a growing call for more robust support measures to help these enterprises weather the extended construction period, rather than simply asking them to endure it.
There is also skepticism regarding whether the final outcome will truly deliver the promised benefits. Some urban observers worry that by the time the corridor is fully operational, travel patterns may have shifted significantly due to remote work and other changes in lifestyle. If the project fails to meet its projected traffic reduction targets, the massive financial and social costs incurred over the last ten years will be viewed as a significant miscalculation in urban planning.
Accountability remains a key concern for those affected. Critics emphasize that while the Land Transport Authority has communicated project updates, there is a need for greater transparency regarding the reasons for delays and a more proactive approach to mitigating the daily impact on the community. Without a clearer demonstration of how the public interest is being protected during this long wait, the project risks being remembered more for its disruption than its utility.