Infrastructure & development

Low Wu Yang Andre asked if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has assessed the feasibility of using Selective Door Operation (SDO) to allow longer train sets on the North East Line to increase capacity. Jeffrey Siow replied that the LTA found SDO unfeasible for this line, as it would necessitate longer dwell times at stations, leading to increased journey times and reduced system capacity. Implementing SDO would also require substantial modifications to depots and tracks to accommodate longer trains.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about safety measures for bus commuters, particularly vulnerable groups, regarding fast-moving cyclists near bus stops. Jeffrey Siow responded that the Land Transport Authority builds cycling paths behind bus stops and implements "SLOW" markings and speed strips to remind cyclists to reduce speed. He also mentioned enforcement actions against reckless cycling at bus stops to enhance safety.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the status of road conversions identified in March 2021 for footpaths, cycling paths, or bus lanes. Jeffrey Siow reported that six conversions have been completed and five are ongoing, with stakeholder engagement and engineering studies being conducted for each site. Some identified sites have also been repurposed under the new Friendly Streets initiative, which aims to expand to all towns by 2030.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the adequacy of Singapore's construction guidelines and building codes concerning seismic actions and asked if revisions are planned for buildings below 20 meters in height. Chee Hong Tat explained that buildings must be designed to withstand lateral forces, including tremors from distant earthquakes, with current seismic design considerations applying only to new buildings above 20 meters. Singapore is considered a low-seismicity region, and there are no plans to extend seismic requirements to buildings below this height. The Building and Construction Authority will continue to review building design and safety requirements based on scientific evidence and international standards.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the status of the 2022 plan to pedestrianise a 500m section of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road. Chee Hong Tat responded that the project is currently in its design phase, and the completion timeline will be announced when available.

Elysa Chen asked about measures to address heat stress and heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups in light of rising temperatures in Singapore. Masagos Zulkifli outlined a multi-pronged heat resilience approach, including broad-based measures for all citizens and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups. Initiatives such as the Heat Stress Advisory and enhancements to infrastructure, like cool coatings for HDB estates, are in place to improve heat resilience. The Government will set up cooling centres during heatwaves and provide specific support for vulnerable populations, including improved conditions in schools and care facilities. Agencies are also exploring additional heat adaptation and cooling measures as needed.

He Ting Ru asked about the government's assessment of electricity demand implications from the second Data Centre Call for Application and considerations for renewable energy development to support data centre growth. Gan Kim Yong responded that the development of data centres is managed carefully with the second call issued after evaluating electricity and resource availability. He mentioned that at least half of the energy needs for new data centres must be sourced from designated green energy pathways, aligning with the Green Data Centre Roadmap aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and supporting the digital economy.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked if existing North East Line stations could accommodate longer trains to increase capacity and if the necessary facilities like turnback sidings and depots could support such changes without extensive excavation. Jeffrey Siow responded that modifications for longer trains would require significant construction work and heavy excavation, leading to prolonged service disruptions. Additionally, land acquisition would be necessary. The completion of the Cross Island Line and the potential Seletar Line are planned to enhance MRT connectivity and capacity for the North East region.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the ratio of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers to battery electric vehicles in Singapore and their distribution across towns. Jeffrey Siow responded that there are approximately 220 public EV charging points for every 1,000 registered EVs. He indicated that the chargers are generally evenly distributed but are more concentrated in Housing and Development Board towns with higher EV usage.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Prime Minister about expectations for Singapore's total population in relation to the 6.9 million mark beyond 2030 and the justifications for these projections. He also inquired about the population figure used for long-term infrastructure planning. Indranee Rajah explained that future population size is influenced by demographic trends and that various scenarios are developed for infrastructure planning, indicating the population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, which remains a relevant planning parameter for the 2030s.

David Hoe questioned whether the Clementi Public Library's capacity is sufficient given new BTOs, an ageing population, and the upcoming Cross Island Line interchange. Josephine Teo responded that visits to the library decreased from 800,000 in 2023 to about 700,000 in 2025, and the library operates within its capacity. The National Library Board is continuously reviewing services to meet community needs and has plans for a revamp of the Clementi Public Library to enhance patron experience, with further details to be announced.

Ng Shi Xuan requested an update on the review regarding enhancements to HDB carpark structures for electric commercial vehicles exceeding 2,000 kilograms in unladen weight. Chee Hong Tat referenced a similar question answered in September 2025 and indicated that agencies are currently assessing how to modify car parks to accommodate heavier electric commercial vehicles, with the study still in progress.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about noise from construction at the Tampines Expressway and Loyang Flyover, asking about interim noise mitigation measures and post-construction assessments. The Minister of State for Transport, Baey Yam Keng, outlined several existing noise mitigation strategies, including barriers and noise monitoring. Charlene Chen requested expedited use of noise-reducing surfaces and additional safeguards for residents, to which Baey responded affirmatively, indicating plans to balance costs with effective noise reduction measures. He confirmed that the new road section will use noise-reducing pavement.

Jackson Lam raised questions regarding MRT maintenance strategies, the replacement schedule for rolling stock and signaling systems, and whether asset management practices are aligned with global best practices. Jeffrey Siow explained that major systems are replaced based on manufacturer's recommendations and performance, with periodic technology upgrades and predictive maintenance in place. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) adheres to the international ISO 55000 standard for asset management and benchmarks practices against those from other cities like Hong Kong and London. The Rail Reliability Taskforce has submitted recommendations for improved asset management, which the Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Acting Minister for Transport about the consideration of senior density in precincts for lift installations at pedestrian overhead bridges and specifically referenced the decision regarding a bridge near Block 301D Anchorvale Road. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the Land Transport Authority takes into account the number of seniors in the vicinity for prioritizing lift retrofitting. He clarified that the bridge near Block 301D Anchorvale Drive will indeed be retrofitted with a lift within the next few years.

Lee Hong Chuang asked about enhancements to Singapore's public transport for better connectivity and commuter experience, particularly for residents of Bukit Batok West needing access to Jurong East, Choa Chu Kang, and Bukit Panjang. Jeffrey Siow responded that bus services in Bukit Batok West have been enhanced under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, including improved frequency for Service 991 and the introduction of Service 984. Existing services like 180 and 993 also aid in connecting residents to Bukit Panjang and Jurong East. Additionally, the future Jurong Region Line will provide further travel options for these areas.

Victor Lye raised concerns about potential tunnel squatting and the safety of Singapore's road and subway tunnels. Jeffrey Siow explained that tunnel squatting is less likely in Singapore's rectangular road tunnels built using the cut-and-cover method, and no significant deformation has been detected. He confirmed that Singapore's tunnel construction and monitoring standards meet international best practices and are on par with cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Comprehensive protocols are in place for construction activities near tunnels, requiring developers to obtain LTA approval and conduct regular monitoring and inspections.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the population parameters for determining new mosque construction, specifically regarding the inclusion of the daytime working population and foreign workers. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim responded that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) adopts a sustainable approach in planning mosques based on projected population changes and land development. MUIS monitors worship patterns to ensure adequate prayer spaces for both residents and workers. They also facilitate additional prayer spaces as needed, such as dual worship sessions and spaces at dormitories, to support the community's religious needs.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development about the tracking of bird species, including total and migratory species, in the forested area east of Sungei Serangoon. Chee Hong Tat responded that the National Parks Board monitors the conservation status of bird species through expert contributions and public data. The 2024 Singapore Red Data Book reported 52 threatened bird species sighted in an area north of proposed bus depot plans aimed at enhancing public transport services.

Ng Chee Meng asked if the Ministry for National Development would consider converting under-utilized upper levels of multi-storey carparks into community sports facilities for the Jalan Kayu-Fernvale area. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board is collaborating with Sport Singapore to explore this conversion and will keep the request in mind. However, he noted that such conversions require thorough evaluations regarding parking demand, potential impacts on residents, and safety considerations.