There will be no train services on the East-West Line (EWL) between Bedok (EW5) and Tampines (EW2) stations, as well as Tanah Merah (CG) and Expo (CG1) stations, from Nov 29 to Dec 8, 2025, for works to connect a new depot and to commission a new station platform.
This round of adjustments to EWL train services follows a similar four-day scheduled closure that took place in December last year.
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In a joint statement on Oct 3, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operator SMRT said they would be undertaking construction works from Nov 29 to Dec 8 to connect the tracks from the existing EWL to the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID).
The 10-day closure would also include connecting the MRT line to a new MRT platform at Tanah Merah station.
The joint statement said: “Specifically, there will be no train service between Bedok and Tampines stations, and between Tanah Merah and Expo stations. Simei and Tanah Merah MRT stations will be closed.”
These works would span 4.8km in 12 locations, and require an “uninterrupted closure window” for workers to safely install new tracks, sleepers, and the third rail on the new eastbound and westbound tracks, as well as on the reception tracks leading to the ECID.
“To ensure safe working conditions, trains will not operate along the affected segment of the EWL and the demarcated safety buffer zone adjacent to work areas.”
Two shuttle bus services would be available
There will be two shuttle bus services available to commuters to maintain connectivity between the affected MRT stations.
Shuttle 7, which runs between Bedok (EW5) and Tampines (EW2) stations, will operate at a frequency of 3-5 minutes, while Shuttle 8, running between Bedok (EW5) and Expo (CG1) stations, will operate at 10-minute frequencies.
In addition, the joint statement advised commuters to use existing public bus services to connect to alternative MRT lines like the Downtown Line (DTL) as an alternative.
These shuttle bus services will follow the same fare structure as trains.
EWL train service frequencies would be adjusted
During the affected period, EWL train services at various sections would be running at reduced frequencies.
EWL service between Tampines (EW2) and Pasir Ris (EW1) stations will run at reduced frequencies of 5 minutes, while train services between Paya Lebar (EW8) and Bedok (EW5) will run at 8-minute frequencies.
Train services between Expo (CG1) and Changi Airport (CG2) stations along the Changi Airport extension will run at “peak” frequencies of 5 minutes.
The joint statement said that the frequencies of trains at sectors adjacent to the work area must be reduced as the track works will limit the trains from turning around.
Shuttle trains would be operating along sectors between Paya Lebar and Bedok stations, between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, and between Expo and Changi Airport stations.
The headway on these shuttle trains would be optimised as trains would run on both bounds of tracks along these sectors, said the joint statement.
Expect up to an additional 30 minutes of travelling time
LTA and SMRT said they expect the affected MRT stations and bus stops to be crowded during the 10-day closure from Nov 29 to Dec 8.
They advise commuters to plan their journeys in advance and to check the LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA’s and SMRT’s social media pages for the latest travel updates and advisories.
Commuters can approach SMRT’s staff members at the affected stations to assist during the train service adjustment period.
Brochures on the recommended alternative travel options would also be available at the passenger service centres of MRT stations. Posters will also be placed at all MRT stations.
“Where possible, commuters passing through the affected EWL stations are strongly encouraged to consider alternative MRT routes, which may offer shorter travel times,” said LTA and SMRT.
New station platform at Tanah Merah to be open from Dec 9
Image: LTA
The joint statement said Tanah Merah station has been undergoing modification works since 2016, to allow it to serve as an interchange station between the EWL and the future Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) extension.
It added that such works included expanding the station’s concourse area, building new viaducts, and adding a new station platform; the latter two are needed to allow TEL to operate from two tracks at the station when it becomes the future terminus for the line.
Eastbound train services of the EWL will start operating from the new Platform A at Tanah Merah station from Dec 9, said the joint statement.
Commuters heading eastbound to Pasir Ris from Tanah Merah station must board trains from the new Platform A.
However, commuters transferring between eastbound train services at Platform A and train services on the Changi Airport extension would have to use the station concourse to transfer. Westbound train services from Tanah Merah station are unaffected by this arrangement.
4-in-1 East Coast Integrated Depot would enable better operational flexibility
The joint statement said the new ECID would increase capacity for train launches and withdrawals, thereby enabling greater flexibility to adjust service patterns and respond more quickly to incidents along the line.
The 4-in-1 depot would integrate three train depots and one bus depot within a single site, serving the EWL, TEL, and the Downtown Line (DTL).
The future TEL extension to Tanah Merah station, in tandem with the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 5 in the next decade, would also provide seamless connectivity between airport terminals, as well as downtown and the upcoming RTS Link to Johor Bahru.
EWL trains would be able to launch from and withdraw to ECID from Dec 9, said the joint statement, adding a final round of adjustments to train services would be required in 1H 2026 to fully decommission the existing Changi Depot.
LTA and SMRT said they will provide more details in advance when ready.
“We will continue to plan our works carefully to minimise inconvenience to commuters and will provide timely updates should further service adjustments be required.
“We thank commuters for their understanding and patience during this train service adjustment period, as we continue to improve the resilience of our rail network and infrastructure,” said LTA and SMRT.
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Related Links
East-West Line – SGTrains
External Links
Train Service Adjustments Along East-West Line from 29 November to 8 December 2025 to Facilitate Track Connection to the East Coast Integrated Depot and Operationalise New Platform at Tanah Merah MRT Station – LTA
Train Service Adjustments Along East-West Line from 29 November to 8 December 2025 to Facilitate Track Connection to the East Coast Integrated Depot and Operationalise New Platform at Tanah Merah MRT Station – SMRT
Images: SGTrains File, LTA, SGTrains Graphics.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.
Last updated on 07 Oct 2025.