Singapore studying feasibility of undersea tunnels to connect Tekong to mainland
Singapore is studying the feasibility of building an undersea tunnel to better connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during the 2026 National Day Rally. The island currently has no land connection to the mainland, and recruits heading the…
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Singapore is considering building an undersea tunnel to connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland, which would make it easier for recruits to travel to the island for military training. The tunnel would be an alternative to bridges, which would cut across Singapore's busy shipping channels.
Imagine you're a recruit heading to Pulau Tekong for military training. Right now, you have to travel by boat, which can be tiring and time-consuming. But what if there was a way to travel to the island more easily? That's what Singapore is studying – building an undersea tunnel to connect Tekong to the mainland. It would make it easier for recruits to travel to the island and would also provide a new alternative to bridges, which would cut across busy shipping channels.
Analysis
Undersea Tunnel Feasibility Study
Singapore is studying the feasibility of building an undersea tunnel to connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland. The tunnel would be an alternative to bridges, which would cut across Singapore's busy shipping channels. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the study during the 2026 National Day Rally, stating that it would bring the island closer to the rest of Singapore.
The island currently has no land connection to the mainland, and recruits heading there for military training currently have to travel by boat. The undersea tunnel would make it easier for them to travel to the island, reducing the time and effort required. It would also provide a new alternative to bridges, which would cut across busy shipping channels.
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.
Transformation of Sentosa and Pulau 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 a vibrant and exciting destination for Singaporeans and tourists alike,' Mr Wong said.
Key points
- Singapore is studying the feasibility of building an undersea tunnel to connect Pulau Tekong to the mainland.
- The tunnel would be an alternative to bridges, which would cut across Singapore's busy shipping channels.
- 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.
If the undersea tunnel is built, it could bring Pulau Tekong closer to the rest of Singapore, making it easier for people to travel to and from the island. It could also provide a new alternative to bridges, which would cut across busy shipping channels.
However, building an undersea tunnel is a complex and expensive project. It could take several years to complete and may require significant investment. Additionally, there may be concerns about the environmental impact of the tunnel on the surrounding marine life.
