No Train Service was available on The East-West Line (EWL) between Tanah Merah and Tampines from Saturday, 7 December 2024 to Tuesday, 10 December 2024. This was to facilitate track works connecting the EWL to the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID), which opens in 2026.
In addition, shuttle train services was operated along some sections of the EWL during the affected days.
Normal train service resumed on Tuesday, 10 December 2024.
| 4 Day Closure on East-West Line (Dec 2024) | |
| Affected Dates | Saturday 7 December 2024 – Tuesday 10 December 2024 [Train service resumed on 10 Dec 2024] |
| Period of closure | Full Day |
| Affected sector | Tanah Merah – Tampines |
| Reason | Track works to connect the East-West Line to the East Coast Integrated Depot |
| Alternative Transport | Shuttle 7: Tampines ↔ Tanah Merah Downtown Line |
According to the Land Transport Authority, the connection of EWL tracks to the ECID required 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 would then need to be re-installed along the new tracks, and stringent testing of the signalling, power and communications systems would be conducted.
LTA also mentioned that there will be two more planned service adjustments over the next two years to facilitate the ECID’s construction, in 2025 and 2026 respectively, affecting different segments of the EWL.
In an update issued at 8 p.m. on Monday, 9 December 2024, the LTA announced that normal EWL train service would resume on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, one day earlier than planned. Train services resumed as normal on 10 December.
Affected MRT Stations
East West Line
- EW1 Pasir Ris
- EW2–DT32 Tampines
- EW3 Simei
- EW4CG Tanah Merah
- CG1DT35 Expo
- CG2 Changi Airport
Affected Dates & Service Pattern
- Saturday 7 December 2024
- Sunday 8 December 2024
- Monday 9 December 2024
- Tuesday 10 December 2024 [Cancelled]
On affected days;
- No Train Service between:
EW2–DT32 Tampines – EW4CG Tanah Merah - Shuttle Train Services will operate between:
EW1 Pasir Ris – EW2–DT32 Tampines (5 min frequency)
EW4CG Tanah Merah – CG1DT35 Expo (8 min frequency)
CG1DT35 Expo – CG2 Changi Airport (11 min frequency)
In addition, during peak hours (7 am–10 am and 5 pm–8 pm) on Monday 9 December 2024 & Tuesday 10 December 2024, alternate EWL eastbound trains would terminate at EW8CC9 Paya Lebar instead of EW4CG Tanah Merah to maintain peak hour frequency. These arrangements were withdrawn on Tuesday with the resumption of normal train service.
Train Service Arrangements
At Tanah Merah, mainline EWL trains terminated at the middle platform (Platform C & D). A shuttle train service operated between Tanah Merah Platform B and Expo Platform B every 8 mins. From Expo, another shuttle train operated between Expo Platform A and Changi Airport Platform A every 11 mins.
Between Tampines and Pasir Ris, a shuttle train service was operated with two trains, providing a combined 5 mins frequency.
During peak hours on Monday, alternate eastbound trains terminated at Paya Lebar, where all passengers were instructed to alight. The train would turn around at the crossover before Eunos, and return to pick up passengers at Paya Lebar in the westbound direction.
Rail Replacement Services
Rail Replacement Services will be offered on affected days. Shuttle 7 will operate between Tampines MRT, Simei MRT and Tanah Merah MRT throughout MRT operating hours, with up to 55 double-decker buses deployed.
Fares for the Shuttle Bus Services are equivalent to the distance travelled by train.
| Shuttle | Operating Dates | MRT Stations Served |
| Shuttle 7 | Sat 7 Dec 2024 – Tue 10 Dec 2024 | Tampines, Simei, Tanah Merah |
In anticipation of high passenger volumes, temporary queue lines were prepared at all shuttle bus boarding stops. Crowd marshallers were also deployed at all stops to guide commuters.
Shuttle 7 was withdrawn on 10 December 2024 at around 9 am, as train services had resumed on the same day.
LTA Service Adjustments Brochure:
- EWL Service Adjustments Brochure (PDF, 1.1MB)
In English & Chinese, inclusive of recommended alternative travel options
See Also:
- Shortened Operating Hours for Rail Renewal Work
- 3 Day Closure on North South Line for Canberra Track Works
External Links & References:
- Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & SMRT – Train Service Adjustments Along East-West Line from 7 to 10 December 2024 to Facilitate Connection to New East Coast Integrated Depot – Land Transport Authority
- No train services between Tanah Merah and Tampines from Dec 7 to 10 as works are carried out: LTA – cna
- No EWL train services between Tanah Merah and Tampines from Dec 7 to 10 due to track works – The Straits Times
- LTA Facebook Post
- Reminder on Train Service Adjustments along East-West Line from 7 to 10 December 2024 to Facilitate Connection to New East Coast Integrated Depot – SMRT Corporation
- LTA Facebook Post
I’ll take DD over bendy any day. LTA has not procured any new bendy buses for a very long time and they aren’t likely to procure any in the foreseeable future.
It may just be 3 stops, but Shuttle 7 still have to deal with EWL-load passenger numbers. Single deckers won’t be able to handle the numbers.
Isn’t it better to increase 31A to full-day service from 7 to 10 Dec?
So far what I observed
SBST:Volvo B9TL
SMRT:MAN A95
Tower Transit:ADL Enviro500 & MAN A95.
Like train formation also,One time boarding 3-4 buses.
They just refuse to get more bendys huh? using DDs for a three stop shuttle is insane, could’ve been so much faster without people climbing up and down
even 3 door are not deployed don’t say bendy HAHA