Name: Christmas Eve 2024 – Public Transport Operating Hours
Start: 2024-12-24T08:00:00+08:00
End: 2024-12-25T02:30:00+08:00
Location: Singapore

Changi East Depot
Artists Impression
Location	Changi East
Lines Served	Cross Island Line
Operator	TBA
Type	At-grade
Rolling Stock	CRRC Sifang CR151
Opening	2030

Changi East MRT Depot is a future MRT train depot serving the Cross Island Line (CRL). The depot is a 57-hectare at-grade rail depot in the Changi East region, adjacent to Aviation Park Road and near the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Completion is expected in 2030, along with the first stage of the Cross Island Line.

Background

Changi East MRT Depot was first announced in January 2019 as part of the 29-kilometre CRL Phase 1, which comprised 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. According to news articles, the depot was originally planned as an underground depot like the rest of the CRL, but authorities decided to locate it and its reception tracks above ground as a cost-saving measure, expected to save roughly $3.5 billion.

The depot will house the Operations Control Centre and provide stabling and maintenance facilities for at least 70 CRL trains. An initial press release by the Land Transport Authority in January 2019 stated a capacity for “up to 80 CRL trains”, but this was revised down to “70 CRL trains” in a May 2021 update.

A second depot to serve the CRL may also be built in the Tuas West region. Currently under planning, this new depot could likely be located on the former site of Raffles Country Club.

Construction

Contract CR101 for the construction of Changi East Depot and its associated facilities was awarded to China Jingye Engineering Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch) at S$1.05 billion on 28 May 2021. The construction contract includes architectural, civil, structural, electrical and mechanical works, along with the provision of administration, maintenance, operation and support facilities in the depot. Construction commenced in the second half of 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2030.

Contract CR102 for the design and construction of tunnels between Aviation Park Station and Changi East Depot was awarded to a joint venture between Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd and LT Sambo Co. Ltd. (Singapore Branch) at a contract value of $780 million on 16 December 2021. The project involves 6 km of tunnels to be dug at an approximate depth of 20 metres below ground level, but up to 40 metres deep at their deepest point. As detailed by the CRL construction blog and accompanying map overlaid over the URA masterplan, CR102 tunnels include a southern extension in the Changi East Industrial Zone towards Changi Airport Terminal 5, where a future station is expected to be built.

Engineering Highlights – Contract CR102

The 6 kilometres long tunnels will be constructed under Aviation Park Road at an approximate depth of 20 metres below ground level. At their deepest, the tunnels are expected to be around 40 metres deep, compared to other stations which are typically around 30 metres deep. The ground conditions in this area are expected to be challenging as they comprise thick layers of underlying soft marine clay and extensive works will have to be carried out to strengthen the soil condition to ensure that construction works proceed safely. The works will be carried out under strict compliance with regulations including aviation height restrictions given its proximity to the Changi Airport compound. LTA and the contractor will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely and take measures to minimise any inconvenience.