Early Closure, Late Opening of Thomson-East Coast Line (Nov 2023–Jan 2024)

Early Closures & Late Openings (ECLO) along the entire Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), between Woodlands North and Gardens by the Bay, will take place across 13 Fridays and Weekends between 3 November 2023 and 28 January 2024.

Early Closure & Late Opening of Thomson-East Coast Line (Nov 2023–Jan 2024)
Affected Dates	Early Closure: All Fridays & Saturdays from 3 November 2023 – 27 January 2024, except 11 November 2023 Late Opening: All Saturdays & Sundays from 4 November 2023 – 28 January 2024, except 12 November 2023
Period of closure	On affected Early Closure days, train services will end at around 11:30 pm On affected Late Opening days, train services will start at 8:00 am
Affected sector	Entire Thomson-East Coast Line (Woodlands North – Gardens by the Bay)
Reason	Integrated systems testing in preparation for the opening of TEL Stage 4 in 2024
Alternative Transport	Only on Late Opening days – Shuttle 51: Woodlands North Caldecott Shuttle 52: Caldecott Outram Park MRT Bridging Buses not offered for Early Closure

According to LTA, these reduced operating hours are needed to facilitate rigorous integrated testing of systems in TEL Stages 1-4, ahead of the opening of TEL Stage 4 (Tanjong Rhu–Bayshore) for passenger service in 2024.

Affected MRT Stations

All stations along the existing Thomson-East Coast Line (Stages 1 to 3) will be closed to passengers during affected periods.

• TE1 Woodlands North
• TE2NS9 Woodlands
• TE3 Woodlands South
• TE4 Springleaf
• TE5 Lentor
• TE6 Mayflower
• TE7 Bright Hill
• TE8 Upper Thomson
• TE9CC17 Caldecott
• TE11DT10 Stevens
• TE12 Napier
• TE13 Orchard Boulevard
• TE14NS22 Orchard
• TE15 Great World
• TE16 Havelock
• TE17EW16NE3 Outram Park
• TE18 Maxwell
• TE19 Shenton Way
• TE20NS27CE2 Marina Bay
• TE22 Gardens by the Bay

As a result, TEL train services will be unavailable during the periods of Early Closure and Late Opening.

Affected Dates & Times

Discrepancy in Deepavali / Deepavali Eve’s late opening arrangements

Quoted from Initial LTA’s press release & Mentioned on other mainstream news articles: “Trains will operate at the usual timings on Deepavali and its eve on Nov 11 and 12”

Quoted from LTA’s press release (6 October, 10 pm): From 3 November 2023 to 28 January 2024, services on the TEL will commence later at 8.00am on Saturdays and Sundays and end earlier at 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, except for Deepavali eve Early Closure and Deepavali Late Opening on 11 and 12 November 2023 respectively

Quoted from SMRT press release (6 October, 10 pm): From 3 November 2023 to 28 January 2024, services on the TEL will commence later at 8.00am on Saturdays and Sundays and end earlier at 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, except for the eve of Deepavali on 11 November.

First & Last Train Timings at Affected Stations

To be released by SMRT Trains.

Shuttle Bus Services

Shuttles 51 & 52 will be provided throughout the duration of the late opening between Woodlands North — Caldecott & Caldecott — Outram Park respectively.

Fares for the Shuttle Bus Services are equivalent to the distance travelled by train.

No shuttle services will be provided during Early Closure.

See Also:

• Shortened Operating Hours for Rail Renewal Work
• Early Closure of Circle Line (Oct–Nov 2023)

External Links & References:

• Service Adjustments on Circle Line and Thomson-East Coast Line to Facilitate Rail Expansion Works – LTA