World’s First ‘Four-in-One’ Transport Depot Nears Completion in Singapore. Singapore’s groundbreaking East Coast Integrated Depot, the world’s first facility to combine three train depots and one bus depot on a single site, is set to open in 2026. With 98% of external works complete and internal fittings at 83% progress, the depot will be the largest of its kind, accommodating up to 220 trains and over 500 buses.
Integrating the depots into one location saves approximately 44 hectares of land—equivalent to 60 football fields—and reduces construction costs by about 40%. This innovative design also slashes expenses by S$2 billion compared to building the depots separately. The facility features three train depots stacked on different levels: the Downtown Line depot is underground, the Thomson-East Coast Line depot is at ground level, and the East-West Line depot occupies the upper level. Each depot is designed for independent operation, with a shared layout to support trains with varying configurations.
The adjacent three-storey bus depot includes charging facilities for up to 240 electric buses. Sustainability features such as sound-absorbing panels and rooftop solar panels are part of the design. Originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the depot’s timeline was adjusted due to pandemic-related delays. To facilitate track connections for the East-West Line, train services between Tanah Merah and Tampines stations will be suspended temporarily in December.
Source: Channel News Asia
