Good news for commuters: regular train services on the East West Line (EWL) will resume on Monday, Dec 8, a day earlier than originally planned.
Services between Bedok and Tampines stations, as well as between Tanah Merah and Expo stations, have been halted since November 29. The temporary closure was to allow track connection works to the new East Coast Integrated Depot, part of an effort to improve the overall reliability of the rail network.
Tracks Ready and Fully Tested
In a Sunday update, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that normal services will resume at the start of passenger service hours on Monday. “We’ve laid new tracks to connect the EWL to the East Coast Integrated Depot and to the new platform at Tanah Merah station,” LTA stated in a Facebook post.
The authority also reassured commuters that safety remains a top priority. “We’ve completed comprehensive testing, including safety and ultrasonic checks on the tracks, power supply, and train signalling systems,” it added.
Second Phase of EWL-Depot Connection
This work formed the second phase of the EWL– depot connection. Unlike the first phase in December last year, which involved only one worksite, this stage covered 12 worksites and a 4.8km stretch. LTA noted that the uninterrupted closure was necessary to ensure safe installation.
The new connection will provide an alternative launch point for trains, allowing the network to respond more flexibly to incidents and adjust services when needed. Once fully completed, the East Coast Integrated Depot will serve the EWL, Thomson-East Coast Line, and Downtown Line, combining three train depots and a bus depot under one roof. Changi Depot, currently handling EWL operations, will be fully decommissioned in the first half of next year.
New Tanah Merah Platform
The LTA also reminded commuters about a new eastbound platform at Tanah Merah station, which opens on the same day. The platform will serve trains heading towards Pasir Ris.
“This means that commuters travelling from Expo or Changi Airport and transferring at Tanah Merah towards Pasir Ris or vice versa will have to go down to the station concourse and then go up to the new platform,” LTA said. Westbound services heading towards Tuas Link will remain unaffected.
