Singapore studies undersea tunnel to Pulau Tekong

SINGAPORE, 24 AUGUST 2026 —

Singapore Explores Undersea Tunnel to Connect Pulau Tekong to Mainland by 2026

SINGAPORE — Singapore is evaluating the feasibility of constructing an undersea tunnel to link Pulau Tekong to the mainland, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Sunday (Aug 23) during the 2026 National Day Rally.

The island, currently accessible only by boat for military recruits undergoing training, lacks a land connection. An undersea tunnel would provide an alternative to bridges, which could disrupt busy shipping channels. "We have experience building underground road tunnels, but we have never built undersea tunnels of this scale," Wong said. "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 aligns with Singapore’s long-term development plans for offshore areas, including Sentosa, Long Island, and western islands. Tekong, Singapore’s largest outlying island, was formed by reclaiming land around Tekong Besar and completing a polder around Tekong Kecil. Additional reclamation is planned for southern Tekong to expand training space for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

After meeting military needs, approximately 500 hectares—roughly the size of Toa Payoh town—will remain available for civilian use, though no decisions have been made on its development.

On the western side, Singapore will build a second road link to Jurong Island, whose existing causeway is heavily utilized. A new connection to the planned western island will also be constructed. Sentosa, last transformed over 15 years ago with Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore, will undergo further enhancements.

The government plans to improve access to its western coastline, which currently remains largely inaccessible despite its rich marine life and unique geology, including coastal cliffs.

Neighboring Pulau Brani will also see major changes following the relocation of port operations. New attractions, including a resort by the National Trades Union Congress, are planned, alongside land reclamation 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," Wong said.

Current access to Sentosa includes a cable car, road bridge, and monorail. A new people mover system connecting the mainland, Sentosa, and Brani will be developed, alongside the exploration of a water taxi service. "All of these projects will take decades to complete," Wong noted. "They will require resources, planning, and investment over many terms of government. That’s what long-term planning is about."

Singapore’s pioneers developed Jurong Island long before its potential was realized, Wong added, emphasizing the need for forward-looking infrastructure. The projects reflect Singapore’s commitment to long-term urban and economic planning.

Related: Singapore