To prepare for the opening of the new East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID) in 2026, LTA and SMRT will be undertaking a series of works to facilitate the connection of tracks from the existing East-West Line (EWL) to the ECID. These works will take place over four days from 7 to 10 December 2024. During this period, there will be no train service on the EWL between Tanah Merah and Tampines stations.
Need for Service Adjustment
2. This service adjustment is needed as the connection of EWL tracks to the ECID requires a continuous window for the removal of about 80 metres of existing tracks, sleepers, and third rail along the existing EWL viaduct, followed by the installation of new turnout tracks that connect to the reception track leading to the ECID. The third rail and power cables will then need to be re-installed along the new tracks, before stringent testing of the signalling, power and communications systems is conducted.
3. Trains will not be able to operate along the affected segment of the EWL during this period when the works are being carried out for safety reasons. LTA has planned and completed all possible preparatory work beforehand, including the completion of the viaducts and other works to enable the connection of the tracks, in order to keep the overall duration of closure to the minimum necessary to complete the required works safely.
Alternative Travel Options
4. For the affected stretch of the EWL, a shuttle bus service, Shuttle 7, will run between Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations at a frequency of 3 to 5 minutes, from first train to last train, from 7 to 10 December. Fares for the shuttle bus service will follow the same fare structure as trains. Commuters can also use existing public bus services to connect to other stations along the Downtown Line (DTL) and EWL, before continuing with their journey.
5. The closure of the affected stretch of the EWL between Tanah Merah and Tampines will also have an impact on adjacent sections of the EWL. This includes the stretch between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, as well as between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations. For example, trains that would typically travel eastbound from Tanah Merah to Pasir Ris before turning around to provide westbound service, would no longer be able to do so. In order to preserve train service in these adjacent sections of the EWL as far as possible, shuttle trains will operate at the following intervals for commuters travelling between:
a. Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, every 5 minutes.
b. Tanah Merah and Expo stations, every 8 minutes
c. Expo and Changi Airport stations, every 11 minutes
Please refer to Annex A for details of the shuttle trains and bus services.
6. During the closure, the affected MRT stations and bus stops are expected to be crowded and journey times may be longer. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and refer to LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms for updates. Station staff will be available at affected stations to assist commuters during the train service adjustment period.
7. Commuters can also refer to station posters or pick up a brochure on recommended alternative travel options from the passenger service centres at all North-South, East-West and Downtown Line stations. Where possible, commuters passing through the affected EWL stations are strongly encouraged to consider alternative routes via the DTL and other MRT lines, as this may result in shorter travel times.[1]
Progress update on ECID
8. Works are progressing well for the ECID, the world’s first integrated four-in-one depot, which will house three train depots and one bus depots within a single site. When operational, the ECID will strengthen the resilience of our rail network by providing increased capacity for train launches and withdrawals, giving us greater ability to adjust service patterns and cope with disruptions. Structural works are almost complete, and the fitting of rail tracks and installation of electrical and mechanical (E&M) and system services are ongoing.
9. Further train service adjustments will be required in 2025 and 2026 to complete the installation works for the ECID and prepare for depot operations. More details will be provided in advance when ready.
10. We seek commuters’ understanding and patience during this train service adjustment period, as we continue to improve the resilience of our rail network and infrastructure. We will continue to plan our works carefully to minimise the impact on commuters as far as possible, and will provide timely updates if any such service adjustments are needed.
Annex A: Shuttle trains and bus service arrangements
Annex B: Location map of works area
