Govt studying feasibility of undersea tunnel to Tekong, might consider civilian use in future

The government is studying the feasibility of building undersea tunnels to connect Singapore's outer islands, such as to Pulau Tekong.

It may also consider possible civilian land use on Tekong in the future.

Civilian use on Tekong in the future

During his 2026 National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted that Tekong is Singapore's "largest outlying island".

Tekong was originally two islands, but those were merged into one through land reclamation.

More reclamation plans are in place for the southern part of the island.

"All that means more training space for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)," PM Wong said.

However, even after meeting the SAF's needs, there will still be around 500 hectares available for future civilian uses.

"That's about the size of Toa Payoh town. We have not decided what to use this land for. And we don't have to decide now," PM Wong said.

Undersea tunnel between Singapore and Tekong

While the other outer islands, like Sentosa and the upcoming Long Island, may already enjoy seamless connection to the mainland, Tekong is "different".

On this, PM Wong went on to note the past and present modes of transport for SAF recruits to Tekong.

To connect Tekong to the mainland, PM Wong said that the government will study the feasibility of building undersea tunnels.

"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," PM Wong commented.

"And one day, our recruits may have an even easier journey to Tekong", he quipped.

PM Wong also reiterated plans to combine Sentosa and neghbouring Pulau Brani into "one integrated destination" as well as plans for Long Island along the East Coast.

He also announced that Semakau, Sudong and Bukom, among other islands, could be merged into a larger island for industry and power infrastructure.

Concluding on such future plans, PM Wong said, "All of these projects will take decades to complete. They will require resources, planning, and investment over many terms of government."