EWL train service suspension & Sengkang West LRT closure
Just when we thought we could finally breathe easy once the Circle Line train service disruptions wrap up in April 2026, here comes another update. Train services between Tanah Merah and Expo MRT Stations on the East-West Line (EWL) will be suspended, while the Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop of the Sengkang-Punggol LRT line (SPRLT) will be closed. Here’s everything you’ll need to know about the upcoming suspension and closure.
When will the train service suspension & loop closure happen?
Image credit: Takafumi Hirotani via Google Maps
EWL train services between Tanah Merah and Expo MRT Stations will be suspended for 4 days from 14th to 17th March 2026, while the Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop will be closed for 6 months from 19th April to 18th October 2026.
Image credit: Joofer Jupiter via Wikipedia
The Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop operates from the Sengkang LRT Station via Cheng Lim LRT Station – counter-clockwise on the MRT map.
Why are the MRT suspension & LRT closure happening?
These scheduled “breaks” are all part of the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) plan to upgrade rail infrastructure on the MRT and LRT networks.
East Coast Integrated Depot & Changi Depot.
Image adapted from: Universe Infinite via Google Maps
After connecting the EWL to the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot, this suspension will disconnect the reception tracks to Changi Depot from the EWL. On the other hand, closing the Sengkang West Inner Loop to expand the SPLRT Depot helps support the growth of the SPLRT fleet to accommodate more 2-car trains.
Which stations & services will be affected?
Image credit: Thang Pham via Unsplash
On the EWL, only the trains between Tanah Merah and Expo MRT Station will be affected. Train services between Changi Airport and Expo will run at 7-minute intervals during peak hours. The rest of the EWL and Downtown Line (DTL) will run as per normal.
Image credit: @translas_lioncity_n12 via Instagram
All stations along the Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop will be affected by the closure. LRT Stations include Cheng Lim, Farmway, Kupang, Thanggam, Fernvale, Layar, Tongkang, and Renjong. Do note that LRT services will still operate in 1 direction on the Sengkang West LRT Outer Loop from the Sengkang LRT Station via Renjong LRT Station – clockwise on the MRT map.
Are there shuttle bus services during the train service suspension & LRT closure?
Screenshot from: LTA Singapore via YouTube
Yes, there will be bus services during both suspension and closure. From 14th to 17th March 2026, shuttle bus S8 will run between Tanah Merah and Expo MRT Stations at intervals of 5 to 8 minutes.
The shuttle bus service for the Sengkang West Inner Loop closure will commence from 13th April 2026 – a week before the affected period – for commuters to adjust to newer routes. 2 shuttle bus services will operate during peak hours from 6am to 10am and 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Shuttle bus frequency will be around 3 to 5 minutes, with the same fares as LRT rides.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the shuttle buses for the Sengkang West Inner Loop closure:
| Shuttle bus | Operating time | Destination (LRT Stations) |
| Service A | 6am-10am | Fernvale LRT Station |
| Layar LRT Station | ||
| Tongkang LRT Station | ||
| RenjongLRT Station | ||
| Sengkang LRT Station | ||
| Service B | 5.30pm-9.30pm | Sengkang LRT Station |
| Cheng Lim LRT Station | ||
| Farmway LRT Station | ||
| Kupang LRT Station | ||
| Thanggam LRT Station |
What are some alternative routes to take during service suspension & LRT closure?
Tanah Merah & Expo train service suspension
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Euan Cameron via Unsplash
If you’re coming from the airport, take bus service 24 to Tanah Merah MRT Station to continue your journey via the EWL. Those coming from Expo MRT Station are encouraged to use bus services or hop on a train on the Downtown Line.
Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop Closure
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Tobi via Unsplash
Communters can still take the Sengkang West LRT Outer Loop from the Sengkang LRT Station via Renjong LRT Station, or bus services 50, 102, 163, and 374, all of which bring you to Sengkang MRT Station.
Give yourself extra commuting time during the upcoming service suspension & LRT closure period
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to do when the upcoming train service suspension and closure happens. There will be staff and crowd marshals at affected stations, assisting commuters during the upgrading periods. Remember to plan your journey and give yourself extra travelling time.
For more MRT-related reads:
Image cover adapted from: Takafumi Hirotani via Google Maps, LTA Singapore via YouTube