Changi Airport branch line takeover

With the release of the Land Transport Master Plan for 2040, the Land Transport Authority officially unveiled that the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will take over the existing Changi Airport branch line of the East West Line (EWL). As part of the take over, conversion works will need to be done to the existing Changi Airport, Expo & Tanah Merah stations to accommodate the TEL rolling stock's differing dimensions. The current rolling stock used on the EWL features 6-car trains with 4-doorways per side. However, the TEL stock features 4-cars with 5-doorways per side. As such, the platform screen doors and gates will require retrofitting in order for the doorways to align properly.

The works will take some time, with the line take over likely coinciding with the on-going works at Tanah Merah station and the Expo-junction with the existing Changi depot and upcoming East Coast integrated depot.

Works as part of contracts T301 for the construction of the 4-in-1 East Coast integrated depot and T315 for the upgrading of Tanah Merah station with associated viaducts are well underway. The depot structure can be seen steadily creeping upwards with the majority of the works centred on columns at the TEL depot level. Additional viaduct turn outs can be seen taking shape as well. The reception track to the TEL depot level can now be made out clearly, running parallel to the existing westbound reception track linking Changi depot with Tanah Merah station.

Meanwhile, at Tanah Merah station, most of the work is centred around the site preparation and diversion of the existing drainage system. As such, most works at the platform level are not noticeable. Here are some photos prior to any changes with the addition of the new platform for the EWL and subsequent take over of the branch line by TEL.

Platform C showing the line directional signage
for the East West Line towards Changi Airport.

Platform Screen Gate at Platform C showing the branch line map.

Station signage showing signs for the East West Line main and branch lines.

 

Once taken over by the TEL, Expo will be the second elevated station along the line following Tanah Merah. Modifications to the station's platform screen gates will be required here as part of conversion works for the line.

Way finding signs at concourse level to the East West Line platform

East West Line platform level with the signage showing the East West Line-branding

East West Line route diagram

Station signage in East West Line colour

Train arrival plasma screens and directional signage showing the East West Line branding

The third station to be taken over by the TEL is currently known as Changi Airport station. With the extension of the TEL to Terminal 5, it is uncertain if this particular station will be renamed once Terminal 5 begins operations.

One of the Changi Airport station's entrance atria, located at Terminal 2.

Station signage showing the East West Line colour and code.

The station platform level, showing the original East West Line platform screen doors and signage.