NDR 2026: Undersea tunnels linking Pulau Tekong to mainland Singapore being studied
Singapore has not built underground road tunnels of this scale, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on August 23 that studies are underway to determine the feasibility of constructing undersea tunnels to connect mainland Singapore to Pulau Tekong, a large offshore island. Additionally, more reclamation works at the southern end of the island are being planned, which would create additional training space for the Singapore Armed Forces and an extra 500 hectares of land for civilian use.
Wong emphasized that the proposed tunnels represent a significant engineering challenge and part of several long-term projects aimed at providing Singaporeans with more space, opportunities, and possibilities.
Wong explained that Pulau Tekong currently lacks a land connection to the mainland, making bridges impractical due to busy shipping channels. Instead, constructing undersea tunnels seems to be the most viable solution. Singapore has experience building underground road tunnels but has never undertaken undersea tunnels of this scale.
The island was once two separate islands, Tekong Besar and Tekong Kechil, and has undergone various reclamation projects to expand its size. Wong mentioned that there will be further reclamation efforts at the southern end of the island, providing more opportunities for civilian use.
The undersea tunnels, if built, would significantly reduce the travel time for military recruits who previously relied on ramp-powered launches and air-conditioned ferries. In the future, recruits may benefit from even easier access to Pulau Tekong. Wong also discussed the Long Island project, which aims to create approximately 800 hectares of new land off the East Coast, further expanding Singapore's land area.
Wong highlighted that projects like the undersea tunnels, Long Island expansion, and merging several offshore islands to support new industries will require decades of planning, resources, and investment. These long-term initiatives will shape Singapore's infrastructure development over many terms of government.
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