Train services along the East-West Line (EWL) and Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT) will be adjusted to facilitate essential upgrading works that will enhance the capacity, reliability and resilience of the rail network. During this period, commuters are advised to plan their journeys ahead and factor in additional travelling time during the service adjustment period.

Train service adjustments along EWL from 14 to 17 March 2026

Following the successful operationalisation of the East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID) in December 2025, LTA and SMRT will take the final step to disconnect the reception tracks linking the EWL to Changi Depot. From 14 to 17 March 2026, there will be no train services on the EWL between Tanah Merah and Expo stations. Train services between Tuas Link to Pasir Ris stations will continue to operate normally.

To maintain connectivity, a shuttle bus service – Shuttle Bus Service Shuttle 8 (S8) – will ply between Tanah Merah and Expo stations at a frequency of about 5 to 8 minutes throughout the service adjustment. Train services between Expo and Changi Airport stations will run at 7-minute intervals during peak hours. Please refer to Annex A for details of the shuttle trains and bus services. Commuters are also encouraged to use existing public bus services to connect to alternative MRT lines like the Downtown Line (DTL) for their journeys.

Single loop operations on Sengkang West LRT from 19 April to 18 October 2026

The SPRLT fleet is being expanded, from 25 one-car Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) and 16 two-car LRVs, to a fleet of 33 two-car LRVs. This is needed to meet growing demand along the SPLRT. LTA has been renewing the SPLRT fleet by introducing new two-car LRVs since July 2025 to progressively replace the existing first-generation fleet. 

By the end of February 2026, a total of seven new two-car LRVs will be in passenger service on the SPLRT. The remaining 18 new LRVs will be deployed progressively after depot expansion works are completed. To accommodate this larger fleet, works have been ongoing to expand the SPLRT depot from its current 3.5ha to 11.1ha. When completed in 2027, the expanded depot will feature additional reception tracks and workshop tracks.

To connect the new reception tracks from the expanded depot to the existing SPRLT mainline, the Sengkang West Inner Loop (i.e. via SW1 Cheng Lim from Sengkang LRT station) will be closed from 19 April to 18 October 2026. Extended working hours are needed to carry out heavy modification of the existing track and connect the new reception tracks to these existing tracks, as well as to install and test signalling systems and equipment. 

During the closure, commuters can continue to use regular bus services, as well as the Sengkang West Outer Loop (i.e. via SW8 Renjong from Sengkang LRT station). To maximise capacity on this loop, it will be fully operated with two-car LRVs for the duration of the service adjustment. 

A dedicated shuttle bus service (Sengkang West Shuttle Bus Service A/Sengkang West Shuttle Bus Service B) will also operate from Sengkang Bus Interchange during weekday morning and evening peak periods to augment the capacity of LRT services and reduce added travel time for commuters. The shuttle bus service will operate from 6.00am to 10.00am and 5.30pm to 9.30pm, plying different routes in the morning and evening to better serve commuters’ travel patterns. It will operate at intervals of about 3 to 5 minutes and charge the same fares as LRT journeys. Commuters who tap into the shuttle bus service on weekday mornings before or after peak hours (before 7.30am, and between 9.00am and 9.45am) will be eligible for Travel Smart Journeys rewards, which will provide equivalent cost savings as commuters who tap into SPLRT stations under the free morning off-peak rail travel scheme. More details will be provided closer to the start of the LRT service adjustment. Please refer to Annex B for the shuttle bus routes.

To give commuters time to familiarise themselves, the shuttle service will begin on 13 April 2026, one week before the LRT service adjustment begins. It will cease when regular LRT service on the Sengkang West Inner loop resumes. Crowd marshals will be on the ground to provide assistance to commuters. 

Alternative travel options and assistance

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and check LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA’s and SMRT and SBS Transit’s social media channels for the latest updates. Staff will be stationed at affected stations to assist commuters during the train service adjustment periods. Commuters can also refer to station posters at the relevant stations.

Annex A –  Shuttle Trains and Bus Service Arrangements for East-West Line Adjustments

Annex B – Shuttle Bus Routes for Sengkang LRT Service Adjustments