Infrastructure & development — Topics

19 Mar 2018

Cross-Border Railways Bill

The Second Minister for Transport moved the third reading of the Cross-Border Railways Bill, noting that the Select Committee had considered five written representations and recommended textual and editorial amendments.
The Committee proposed amendments to clauses 23 and 28 to allow transfer or assignment of contracts with the Minister’s approval, balancing government oversight and commercial viability.
The amendments address industry feedback that original clauses could deter private financing by preventing the use of future cash flows as collateral for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail Assets Company.
The Bill was passed after the Question was put and agreed to by the House.

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19 Mar 2018

Active Mobility Paths within Boon Lay Constituency

Patrick Tay asked when LTA will roll out active mobility paths in Boon Lay and Jurong West and connect them to Jurong Lake District.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport replied that LTA will build dedicated cycling path networks in all HDB towns by 2030, with some completed by 2023 and the rest, including Boon Lay and Jurong West, ready after 2023.
The Minister confirmed that LTA will consider connecting the Boon Lay and Jurong West network to the Jurong Lake District development.

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19 Mar 2018

Minimise Time between When Land is Acquired by Government and When the Land is Developed

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Law about measures to minimise the time between government land acquisition and development.
The Senior Minister of State for Law explained that the Government scrutinises all land acquisition proposals and weighs options to ensure suitability for public development.
When private land is needed, MinLaw and SLA work closely with landowners and developing agencies to ensure timely handover for development while giving landowners sufficient time to relocate.
The time to commence and complete development varies by project scale and complexity, but development generally starts shortly after the state takes possession of the acquired land.

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19 Mar 2018

LTA's Planning Assumptions for Traffic Impact on Singapore Roads

LTA requires developers to conduct transport impact assessments for new and redeveloped projects, with guidelines to establish baseline traffic, estimate future growth, and account for reduced private car usage through public transport and active mobility improvements.
The assessments do not consider a range of vehicle population scenarios or a specific car-lite future, but factor in the zero vehicle growth rate for non-commercial vehicles and infrastructure enhancements to moderate congestion.
To address congestion in mature estates with older road designs, LTA recommends measures like staging developments, road widening, and promoting public transport, while also building overhead pedestrian networks and expanding Silver Zones to protect elderly pedestrians.

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7 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

Ministers outlined major infrastructure expansions including Changi Airport's Terminal 5 and a new Tuas seaport, alongside extensive public transport upgrades like the Thomson-East Coast Line and a goal for 75% of peak-hour journeys to be on public transport by 2030.
The debate highlighted the need for sustainable funding, with significant government subsidies for public transport amid rising costs, and the introduction of an Airport Development Levy to finance Changi's expansion.
Concerns were raised about the regulation of new transport modes, with plans to license bicycle-sharing operators to curb indiscriminate parking and to review the regulatory framework for private hire cars to ensure market contestability.
Emphasis was placed on safety and inclusivity, with initiatives like Silver Zones for seniors, enhanced enforcement against reckless active mobility, and plans to register e-scooters to improve accountability.

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6 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

The debate highlighted Singapore’s rapid evolution in transport, including new MRT lines, private hire cars, e-bikes, PMDs, and bike-sharing systems, which have brought both opportunities and challenges such as safety concerns, infrastructure strain, and regulatory gaps.
Members raised issues on the impact of technology-driven disruptions, including the need to support affected workers like taxi and bus drivers, and the potential displacement from autonomous vehicles, urging for upskilling and transition measures.
There were calls for tighter regulations on bike-sharing and PMDs, including registration, parking solutions, and enforcement, to address indiscriminate parking, accidents, and pedestrian safety, with some proposing lower speed limits and insurance requirements.
Discussions also covered funding and planning for major projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5 and the Tuas Mega Port, with questions on cost-sharing, competitiveness, and the use of investments to boost local transport technology capabilities.
The need for better infrastructure, such as dedicated cycling lanes, sheltered walkways, and safer signalised junctions, was emphasized to support a car-lite society and improve co-existence among pedestrians, cyclists, and PMD users.

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6 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Members raised concerns about housing affordability and support for vulnerable groups, including rental flat overcrowding, the need for more multi-generational flats, and challenges faced by single parents, divorcees, and elderly residents.
The Ministry outlined plans to enhance housing schemes, such as reducing the waiting time for new flats, increasing grants for resale buyers, and removing the three-year time bar for divorced persons to buy subsidized flats.
The debate also covered urban planning and infrastructure, with updates on the Rail Corridor, building safety inspections, and the push for a high-tech built environment sector through digital tools and industry transformation.

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6 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)

Multiple MPs expressed concern over Singapore’s vulnerability to climate change, citing extreme weather, flash floods, rising sea levels, and waste management issues, with calls for stronger public education, corporate responsibility, and updated infrastructure.
The Minister outlined a two-pronged climate strategy: adaptation (e.g., coastal protection, water security, drainage upgrades) and mitigation (e.g., carbon tax, energy efficiency, solar adoption), emphasizing whole-of-government coordination and international cooperation.
Key initiatives announced include a mandatory e-waste system by 2021 using Extended Producer Responsibility, targeted water conservation measures, a plastic bag lifecycle study, and ongoing efforts to rejuvenate hawker centres and enhance productivity.

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1 Mar 2018

Opening of New Primary and Secondary Schools in Punggol Central and Punggol Way

Sun Xueling asked the Ministry of Education for the timeline for new primary and secondary schools along Punggol Central and Punggol Way to begin student enrolment and operations.
Ng Chee Meng stated that nine primary and three secondary schools already exist in Punggol and announced plans for three new schools to meet demand from new housing developments.
The new schools include a primary and secondary school at Punggol Central and another primary school at Northshore Link, with construction set to start soon.
The Ministry will provide further details on the schools’ opening dates in due course.

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28 Feb 2018

Average Cost of Constructing a Signalised Pedestrian Crossing

The average cost of constructing a signalised pedestrian crossing is approximately $250,000.
Assessment criteria include evaluating connectivity to key amenities and transport nodes, traffic volume, and road geometry.
If an at-grade crossing is deemed dangerous or likely to cause congestion, alternative facilities like overhead bridges or underpasses are considered.

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27 Feb 2018

Criteria for Retention of Central Cluster over Other Buildings in Dakota Crescent

The central cluster of six blocks in Dakota Crescent was retained because it contains the distinctive architectural features of the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats and includes the central courtyard, which holds special meaning for residents.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority engaged various stakeholders, including residents and heritage groups, whose feedback highlighted the importance of the courtyard as a gathering place, influencing the retention decision.
The Ministry intends to study suggestions for civic and institutional uses for the central cluster while working closely with stakeholders, and will redevelop the remaining land for public housing.

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27 Feb 2018

Common Services Tunnels Bill

The Common Services Tunnels Bill was introduced to establish and regulate common services tunnel areas to ensure their safe and efficient operation, as well as the functionality of ancillary facilities.
The bill was presented by Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong and read for the first time in Parliament, with a second reading scheduled on or after 14 March 2018.
The legislation aims to provide a legal framework for managing underground utility tunnels, supporting urban infrastructure development in Singapore.

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27 Feb 2018

Growth in International Passenger Numbers at Changi Airport

Leon Perera asked for Changi Airport’s 2017 international passenger numbers and its five-year growth rates compared to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.
The Minister reported Changi’s 4% annual growth from 2012–2017 to 62.2 million passengers, while Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta saw 10.2%, 7.4%, and 3.5% growth respectively over 2011–2016.
Perera expressed concern over Bangkok and Jakarta’s higher growth potentially eroding Changi’s competitiveness, prompting a question on mitigation plans.
The Minister explained that Bangkok’s growth is supported by dual airports and low-cost carriers, while Jakarta’s growth is from a lower base, and highlighted plans to anchor Changi as a premier hub including a future Terminal 5.

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19 Feb 2018

Installation of Lifts at Pedestrian Overhead Bridges

Darryl David asked about the cost of installing lifts at pedestrian overhead bridges and whether there is a national schedule for such installations.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that installing a pair of lifts can cost up to $4 million with annual maintenance of about $40,000, and selection is based on factors like proximity to transport nodes and pedestrian demand.
The Land Transport Authority has retrofitted 26 bridges and plans to retrofit another 21 by the end of 2018, focusing on locations near transport hubs, healthcare institutions, and special needs schools.

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19 Feb 2018

Alignment of New Coal Gasification Plant on Jurong Island with Singapore's Climate Change Commitments

Mr Lim Hng Kiang explained that Singapore’s Paris Agreement commitments are based on reducing emissions intensity, not absolute emissions, and that the coal gasification plant will use best-in-class mitigation technologies, be subject to carbon tax, and its emissions will be closely monitored to align with climate goals.
The government justified the plant as necessary to provide competitive feedstock for the energy and chemicals sector, which contributes to GDP and employment, while balancing environmental concerns through strict regulations on emissions and ash disposal.
In response to concerns about ash disposal, Mr Lim stated that the company has committed to recycling the ash under strict conditions set by MEWR to avoid adding to dumping requirements.
Mr Lim clarified that the project is not an energy generation plant but a feedstock producer for the petrochemical sector, and Singapore’s energy mix remains dependent on natural gas and limited solar energy, not coal.
The minister acknowledged the delicate balance between maintaining industrial competitiveness and meeting climate commitments, emphasizing that gasification was chosen after evaluating alternatives to meet industry needs sustainably.

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19 Feb 2018

Update on Work Done as a Result of Shutting of Train Lines for Scheduled Maintenance

The Minister reported that extended engineering hours enabled accelerated progress on the East-West Line re-signalling project, providing the equivalent of 40 extra nights of work and advancing the timeline by about 1.5 months, with completion expected by June.
During closures, maintenance work was intensified to 2.5 times the usual weekend volume, and noise barrier upgrades were completed at 1.5 times the normal pace, achieving 3–4 nights of equivalent work each weekend.
The Ministry plans to continue using this approach for future upgrades, such as power system renewals, while minimizing commuter disruption through early announcements and alternative transport options.

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6 Feb 2018

Cause of Water Pipe Leakage at Somerset Road on 16 January 2018

The water pipe leak at Somerset Road on 16 January 2018 was caused by stress on the pipe due to uneven soil settlement, and the pipe was last checked for leaks in December 2017 with no issues found.
PUB conducts annual leak checks across its network, more frequently where needed, and has not observed a correlation between heavy rainfall and the number of leaks.
PUB quickly isolated the leak, set up temporary water supply connections, coordinated with other utilities, and is replacing the affected pipeline as part of its renewal program.
To prevent future leaks, PUB uses resilient materials like ductile iron and steel, adopts enhanced laying practices, and is increasing the annual pipe replacement target to 50 km.

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6 Feb 2018

High Covered Shelter for Boarding and Alighting of Passengers at Bus Stops

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked if there are plans to install high covers (4.5 metres and above) at bus stops to shelter passengers during boarding and alighting.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that such shelters will be built where space permits, with priority for heavily used bus stops.
Priority will be given to bus stops connected to MRT stations, over a quarter of which already have cantilever shelters.

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6 Feb 2018

Underground Connection between Marina Bay MRT Station and Downtown MRT Station

Gan Thiam Poh asked about an underground connection between Marina Bay and Downtown MRT stations or a permanent covered linkway on the surface.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that an underground link will be built between the two stations.
The Land Transport Authority will work with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to incorporate this link into future plans.

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6 Feb 2018

Positioning Singapore to be Global Centre for Data Storage and Services

The government is strengthening Singapore's position as a digital connectivity hub by attracting investments in data centres and submarine cables, with agencies like IMDA and EDB working together to ensure sufficient land and power for data centre clusters.
Singapore is enhancing its domestic data governance framework, including a Data Protection Trustmark and a review of the Personal Data Protection Act, to build consumer trust and enable innovative data use.
Internationally, Singapore is participating in forums like APEC and ASEAN to shape data protection standards and facilitate seamless cross-border data flows.
The government is building ahead of demand in data centre capacity and submarine cable infrastructure to ensure Singapore remains a first mover in the global data economy.

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