Singapore’s public transport network is getting a colourful Deepavali makeover, with specially decorated MRT trains, public buses and stations bringing the spirit of the Festival of Lights to commuters across the island.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced the festive initiative on October 8, 2026, in collaboration with the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA), the Indian Heritage Centre and public transport operators SBS Transit, SMRT, Tower Transit Singapore and Go-Ahead Singapore.
Running from October 8 to November 11, the initiative aims to celebrate Indian heritage and make the daily commute a little more festive ahead of Deepavali, which falls on November 8 this year.
Five MRT Trains to Feature Deepavali Decorations
Commuters travelling across Singapore will have opportunities to spot festive designs on five specially decorated trains operating across all six MRT lines.
The decorated trains will run on the Circle Line, Downtown Line, East-West Line, North-East Line, North-South Line and Thomson-East Coast Line.
The decorations feature vibrant motifs inspired by Deepavali traditions, including elephants, traditional oil lamps and colourful rangoli patterns.
According to LTA, the designs represent prosperity, light and unity — themes closely associated with the Festival of Lights.
Because the trains will operate across the rail network, commuters may encounter the festive displays during their regular journeys without needing to make a special trip.
10 Bus Services Also Join the Celebration
The festive transformation extends beyond the MRT network, with 10 public bus services receiving Deepavali-themed decorations.
The affected services are:
- Service 23
- Service 65
- Service 97
- Service 99
- Service 147
- Service 166
- Service 188
- Service 960
- Service 963
- Service 965
These services cover different parts of Singapore, allowing more commuters to experience the festive atmosphere while travelling to work, school, shopping areas and other destinations.
The decorations are part of a wider effort to bring cultural celebrations into everyday public spaces rather than limiting them to festival grounds and shopping districts.
Six MRT Stations to Get a Festive Makeover
Six MRT stations will also feature Deepavali-inspired decorations:
- Little India
- Dhoby Ghaut
- Marine Terrace
- Serangoon
- Stevens
- Woodlands
Little India, one of Singapore’s best-known destinations for Indian culture, is expected to be a key location for commuters and visitors enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The decorations at the other stations will extend the celebration to different parts of the island, making the initiative accessible to residents beyond the traditional Little India district.
Why Singapore Is Bringing Deepavali to Public Transport
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is celebrated by Hindus around the world and is commonly associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
In Singapore, the festival is marked by prayers, family gatherings, traditional food, shopping and colourful decorations. Little India typically becomes a focal point for celebrations, with festive lights and seasonal markets attracting residents and visitors.
By decorating trains, buses and MRT stations, the LTA and its partners are bringing elements of the celebration into the public transport system used by millions of commuters.
The collaboration also highlights the role of transport infrastructure as a shared public space where Singapore’s different communities can encounter and appreciate one another’s traditions.
When Can Commuters See the Decorations?
The Deepavali-themed decorations will be displayed from October 8 through November 11, 2026.
Commuters can continue using the affected trains, buses and stations as usual. The initiative is a festive decoration programme, not a change to public transport routes or operating arrangements.
For those hoping to see the displays, travelling through the six participating MRT stations or taking one of the 10 decorated bus services during the campaign period offers an opportunity to experience the celebration.
With Deepavali approaching, Singapore’s transport network is set to become part of the island-wide festive atmosphere — reminding commuters that sometimes even an ordinary journey can offer a glimpse of the country’s rich cultural diversity.
