NDR 2026: Singapore studying feasibility of undersea tunnels to connect Tekong to mainland

NDR 2026: Singapore studying feasibility of undersea tunnels to connect Tekong to mainland Sentosa and neighbouring Pulau Brani are also set for major transformations, with plans for new attractions and enhanced connectivity between the two islands and the mainland. SINGAPORE: Singapore is studying the feasibility of building an undersea tunnel to better connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sunday (Aug 23) during the 2026 National Day Rally. The island currently has no land connection to the mainland, and recruits heading there for military training currently have to travel by boat. With an undersea tunnel, recruits may have an easier journey to Tekong, Mr Wong said. He added that the tunnels are an alternative to bridges, which would cut across Singapore’s busy shipping channels. “We have experience building underground road tunnels, but we have never built undersea tunnels of this scale,” said the prime minister. “It will be a major engineering undertaking. But if we can do it, it will bring our outer islands much closer to the rest of Singapore.” The study comes as Singapore lays out plans for the long-term development of several offshore areas, including Sentosa, Long Island and other islands in the west. Tekong, Singapore’s largest outlying island, was previously made up of Tekong Kecil and Tekong Besar. Reclamation around Tekong Besar and the completion of a polder around Tekong Kecil have connected the two. More reclamation is planned for southern Tekong, creating additional training space for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Even after the SAF’s needs are met, about 500ha – roughly the size of Toa Payoh town – will remain available for future civilian use. No decision has been made on how this land would be used, Mr Wong said. On the western side of Singapore, a second road link will be built to Jurong Island, whose existing causeway to the mainland is heavily used. Another new link to connect Jurong Island with the planned western island will be built. TRANSFORMATION OF SENTOSA, BRANI Sentosa and neighbouring Pulau Brani are also set for major transformations, with plans for new attractions, improved access and enhanced connectivity between the two islands and the mainland. Sentosa’s last major transformation was more than 15 years ago, with the development of Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore. In the next major refresh, the government will enhance Sentosa's beaches and waterfront to bring people closer to nature. "Part of Sentosa’s western coastline over here is not accessible to the public. This area is home to rich marine life and unique geology, including distinctive coastal cliffs," Mr Wong said. The government will improve access while preserving the island's natural character, allowing more people to experience its lesser-known side. Neighbouring Pulau Brani will be transformed after port operations move out. New attractions and experiences are planned for the island, while the National Trades Union Congress will build its new Downtown South resort there. Some land will also be reclaimed to better connect Brani and Sentosa. “Together, Sentosa and Brani will become one integrated destination – they will transform our southern waterfront and offer even more for Singaporeans and visitors to see, do and enjoy," Mr Wong said. Sentosa is currently accessible by cable car, the Sentosa Gateway road bridge and the monorail. A new people mover system connecting the mainland, Sentosa and Brani will be developed. The government is also exploring a water taxi service. "All of these projects will take decades to complete. They will require resources, planning, and investment over many terms of government," Mr Wong said. "That’s what long-term planning is about. Our pioneers built Jurong Island long before anyone could see what it could become. They planned and built for our generation. And now we will do so for the generations that follow." [Image text:] PILOT WSO (FIGHTER) WELCOME TO PULAU TEKONG