Train services along parts of Singapore’s East-West Line (EWL) are expected to undergo changes from the third quarter of 2025, as three major stations — Tanah Merah, Expo and Changi Airport — will be modified to become part of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). These modifications are part of a broader plan to build a direct MRT connection between Changi Airport and Singapore’s city centre.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on 25 July that works at the three stations will involve extensive upgrades, including system changes and track integration, to link them to the upcoming TEL extension. To carry out these changes, train services on the EWL will need to be adjusted for additional engineering hours.
According to LTA’s statement to The Straits Times, specific details of the service changes are still being planned and will be announced later. However, alternative travel options such as shuttle bus services will be provided to reduce inconvenience to passengers.
Once completed, the segment from Tanah Merah to Changi Airport will no longer be part of the EWL but will operate under the TEL. This 14km TEL extension will pass through the upcoming Terminal 5 (T5) of Changi Airport and connect to Sungei Bedok station, which is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. The full TEL extension is expected to be ready by the mid-2030s, in time for the opening of T5.
At present, passengers travelling between the city and Changi Airport must switch trains at Tanah Merah station, as the stations at Expo and Changi Airport form a separate branch line on the EWL.
The TEL extension will eliminate the need for this transfer and offer direct access from the airport to the city and beyond. Travel time between Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay will be reduced from around 60 minutes to 40 minutes once the TEL extension is operational.
Modifications at the three stations will include major system overhauls, such as upgrading signalling, communications and power supply systems. Existing tunnels and viaducts linking the stations will also be modified to support the new systems. This is necessary as the EWL and TEL operate on different technologies and configurations.
EWL trains have six cars with four doors each, while TEL trains have four cars with five doors each. As a result, station platform screen doors will also need to be changed.
Works to transform Tanah Merah station into an interchange between the EWL and TEL have been ongoing since 2016. These works involve new viaducts, an expanded concourse and an additional platform, and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
LTA also said that additional work will be required to connect existing MRT tracks to the new stretch that leads to Changi T5. The new T5 station will act as an interchange for the TEL extension and the Cross Island Line (CRL), which is being extended by 5.8km from Aviation Park to T5. This will help improve connectivity to major hubs such as Punggol Digital District, as well as areas like Ang Mo Kio, Clementi and Hougang.
The full TEL will be extended from its current 43km length to 57km. It will also provide a link from Changi Airport to the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link between Woodlands North and Johor Bahru, which is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026.
