As much as we poke fun at our MRT for its breakdowns and delays, we have to acknowledge the many moving parts that allow it to function day-to-day. Getting things going for such a big operation requires a lot of patience and time to implement, which is why there’ll be an upcoming MRT closure of some stations on the East-West Line. Here’s what you need to know.
Image credit: W. B. via Google Maps
This closure is to facilitate the connection between the East-West Line (EWL) to the soon-to-be-completed East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID) – think of it as a multi-storey car park but for trains. It’s not the greatest news, but it’s for good reason.
It will create an alternate starting point for the trains, allowing workers to handle any scheduling or technical issues more efficiently. Faster solutions mean fewer delays if problems were to arise – an absolute win-win.
Once it’s completed, it’ll connect the EWL with the Thomson-East Coast Line and Downtown Line, creating an accessible network with 3 depots and 1 bus depot between them.
The East-West Line MRT closure will take place over 10 days from 29th November to 8th December 2025. Regular operations are expected to continue from 9th December 2025 onwards.
An overview of the affected train routes.
Image adapted from: LTA
The MRT routes between Tampines and Bedok will be affected by the closure, which puts both the Simei and Tanah Merah stations out of commission for the period. The route between Tanah Merah and Expo will also have to make room for the construction of a new platform.
Shuttle buses will be available between the affected stations, and shuttle trains will cover the shorter unaffected routes.
| MRT Stations that will be closed | Train service is affected between these stations |
| Simei | Bedok to Tampines |
| Tanah Merah | Tanah Merah to Expo |
Shuttle bus 7 route.
Image adapted from: @ltasg via Instagram
There will be 2 shuttle bus services: Shuttle bus 7 will travel between Bedok and Tampines with stops at Tanah Merah and Simei, while Shuttle bus 8 will take the route between Bedok and Expo, with 1 stop at Tanah Merah.
Shuttle bus 8 route.
Image adapted from: @ltasg via Instagram
Shuttle bus 7 will arrive every 3 to 5 minutes, while Shuttle bus 8 will come in about 10-minute intervals.
Image credit: @ltasg via Instagram
There will also be shuttle trains to accommodate the parts of the track that are unaffected but will be isolated from the main loop. Without the regular loop, the trains will operate at reduced frequencies, with the train between Paya Lebar and Bedok coming by every 8 minutes, and the trains between Tampines and Pasir Ris and Expo and Changi Airport coming by every 5 minutes.
These times are based on peak-hour estimates, but could go up to 17 minutes during off-peak hours.
Tampines Station Exit D along the Downtown Line.
Image credit: Lim See Kong via Google Maps
The Downtown Line is a great alternative if you’re travelling through Tampines. It goes from Expo to Tampines, Bedok North, and Bedok Reservoir. And you can continue your journey using the existing bus routes from the bus stations near the MRT or the bus interchanges.
Do expect to add an extra 30 minutes to your travel time, especially with the uptick in commuters having to take these alternative routes.
Image credit: @jhsnaps.jpg via Instagram
Such inconveniences can absolutely derail someone’s week, but it’s a necessary evil in the long term. Here’s to hoping for fewer MRT breakdowns and delays in the future.
For more transport reads:
Cover image adapted from: @jhsnaps.jpg via Instagram, W. B. & Lim See Kong via Google Maps
Technically, this is the second time Singapore has qualified for the Asian Cup.
This is your call to get up earlier for work.
As if we need another reason to visit the mall.
Look forward to free model-building workshops.
Earn some extra money on the side.
Mark your calendars for 15th December 2025.