Infrastructure & development — Topics

8 Jan 2018

Construction Cost of Covered Linkways

Ms Sun Xueling asked about the average cost, total expenditure, and total length of covered linkways constructed in the past five years.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan replied that the government spent about $330 million to construct nearly 160 kilometres of covered linkways over the past five years.
The average cost was approximately $210,000 per 100 metres, with funding from LTA's Walk2Ride programme, HDB's public housing developments, and the CIPC scheme.

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8 Jan 2018

Update on Investigation into TPE-PIE Viaduct Collapse in July 2017

Dennis Tan inquired about the status of the investigation into the July 2017 TPE-PIE viaduct collapse and the timeline for releasing the findings publicly.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and will be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for assessment once completed.
He stated that further details will be provided at the appropriate juncture following the completion of the process.

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8 Jan 2018

Impact of Extended Engineering Hours on MRT Rail Maintenance Works

Khaw Boon Wan highlighted that extended engineering hours from early closures and late openings in December 2017 significantly doubled available maintenance time, accelerating key projects like re-signalling, rail repairs, and noise barrier installation.
The Minister noted that similar plans are scheduled for January 2018, with targeted station closures and reduced frequencies to further advance maintenance and system renewals on both the North-South and East-West Lines.
Khaw emphasized that while such measures benefit rail reliability, the Ministry will work to balance maintenance needs with commuter convenience through alternative transport arrangements and sustainable planning for transport workers.

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8 Jan 2018

Investigation into Joo Koon MRT Train Accident

The Land Transport Authority completed its investigation, identifying a software logic issue in the new Communications-Based Train Control signalling system as the root cause, triggered by operating two signalling systems concurrently on the same line.
The signalling supplier, Thales, has rectified the fault and will set up a local simulation facility for more rigorous testing before deployment on the rail network.
As a precaution, the new signalling system on the Tuas West Extension is being separated from the rest of the East-West Line until full transition, which is being accelerated with extended engineering hours and expected by mid-year.
Thirty-seven passengers and staff were injured, all discharged from hospital within a week, with nine requiring outpatient follow-up and expected to make a full recovery.
The authorities have emphasized lessons learned and steps taken to prevent similar incidents, including improved testing and operational safeguards.

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8 Jan 2018

Measures to Ensure Singapore's Water Supply is Free from Terrorist Attacks and Contamination

The Public Utilities Board implements stringent physical security, including protected installations with tight access control, surveillance, and buried, pressurised pipelines to prevent contamination.
PUB conducts regular spot checks on building water tanks, enforces penalties for non-compliance, and works with building owners to secure tank access and covers.
A comprehensive water sampling and monitoring programme tests over 400,000 samples annually, with online sensors and reporting to the National Environment Agency to ensure water quality from source to tap.

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7 Nov 2017

Ensuring Continuous Operation in MRT Network Even with Service Disruptions along Some Parts

The Minister outlined that during disruptions, unaffected parts of the MRT line can continue operating through bi-directional services or loop operations, with buses used to bridge gaps where needed.
Abnormalities on tracks are monitored via condition monitoring equipment and regular staff patrols, not primarily by train drivers, with pump systems installed to manage water in underground tunnels.
The oldest MRT lines are undergoing a multi-year renewal programme to address age-related wear-and-tear and obsolescence, targeting full renewal by 2024, with plans to accelerate works to reduce disruption risks.

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7 Nov 2017

Progress in Construction of North-South Expressway

The North-South Corridor is a major integrated transport project now expected to be completed in 2026, with eight of 16 major civil contracts tendered and construction set to start next year.
The timeline was extended from the original 2023 target due to construction complexities, such as interfacing with existing roads, rail lines, and building a tunnel near MRT infrastructure.
To ease congestion on the Central Expressway in the interim, the government has widened roads, added ERP gantries, and is building the Thomson-East Coast Line, which will provide alternative commute options.

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7 Nov 2017

Use of Steel Supplied by Company that Falsified Data

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked whether any materials in Singapore's infrastructure projects came from Kobe Steel and what safety rectifications are being made.
The Second Minister for National Development stated that BCA checked with major steel stockists and fabricators and found no structural steel from Kobe Steel was imported into Singapore.
BCA will continue to monitor and conduct checks, and all structural steel must comply with building standards, including tests by accredited laboratories and audits by Qualified Persons and BCA.

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6 Nov 2017

Results of PUB's Checks on Water Pipes in Bukit Batok SMC

PUB completed an early inspection of all 100km of water pipes in Bukit Batok following recent leaks, finding no additional issues and confirming the two incidents were due to localized corrosion on 35-year-old pipes that were still within their 70-year design lifespan.
The affected pipe sections have been replaced, with work at Bukit Batok West Avenue 6 completed and the 170-meter replacement at Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 expected to finish ahead of schedule by end-November.
PUB noted that Singapore's leak incidence rate is among the lowest globally at six leaks per 100km of pipes per year, and it maintains continuous monitoring with over 300 sensors and annual physical checks across its 5,500km network.
To address aging infrastructure, PUB is increasing its pipe renewal pace, aiming to replace 30km of pipes this year and 50km annually from next year, while test-bedding new technologies like acoustic sensors and using more corrosion-resistant pipes.
PUB acknowledged that leaks can still occur due to corrosion, soil settlement, or construction damage, but it aims to resolve most incidents quickly within a few hours, with some requiring additional time to switch residents to alternate supplies to avoid disruption.

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6 Nov 2017

Plans for SLA Land at Wan Tho Avenue Leased to St John's Home for Elderly Persons

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked about the future use of the 9,000 sq m land at Wan Tho Avenue currently leased to St John's Home for Elderly Persons when the lease ends in 2021.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed the land will return to the state and is zoned for Civic and Community Institution use.
Agencies are studying options to introduce new community and social facilities to serve the larger population in the future.
Detailed plans will be finalized later, and St John's Home is redeveloping its operations on a separate 0.33-hectare site it holds until 2045.
Agencies will continue working with St John's Home to ensure a smooth transition when the current lease expires.

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6 Nov 2017

Effectiveness of Silver Zones Implementation

Silver Zones have significantly reduced accidents involving seniors, with only three incidents reported since implementation compared to over 50 in the five years prior, due to measures like 40 km/h speed limits, speed bumps, and enhanced street lighting.
The implementation includes features to balance pedestrian, vehicle, and emergency needs, such as mountable centre dividers for emergency vehicles, longer green-man timing, and widened footpaths in several locations.
To address increased use of personal mobility devices and bicycles, the Land Transport Authority plans to widen footpaths, add dedicated cycling paths, and install speed regulating strips and signs to remind users to slow down near crowded areas.

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6 Nov 2017

Manpower for Infrastructure Projects

The government is working with tripartite partners to ensure a strong pipeline of engineers and technicians for Singapore’s infrastructure projects, with demand expected to grow notably in sectors like railways and lift maintenance.
Measures include industry-wide branding and promotion to uplift the image of technical careers, supported by initiatives like the LTA’s $12.5 million Public Transport Manpower Development Fund.
Efforts are being made to build a dedicated talent pipeline through expanded training programmes at various education levels and structured on-the-job training.
Agencies are also attracting mid-career switchers via Professional Conversion Programmes to equip workers from other sectors with relevant skills for infrastructure careers.

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6 Nov 2017

Synchronisation of Warning Messages in KPE Tunnel

Ms Joan Pereira raised questions about inconsistent warning messages during the 2017 KPE tunnel fire, measures to synchronise them, and how firefighters can access tunnel fires amid traffic jams.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that while initial warning messages were intentionally different for motorists inside and outside the tunnel, a brief period of unsynchronised messages after the fire was extinguished caused confusion, which LTA has since reviewed and fixed.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that firefighters can respond from both directions, use cross-passage doors within the tunnel, and deploy fire bikes and vehicles on the road shoulder to reach fire sites amid congestion.

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6 Nov 2017

Rectification and Remediation against Supplier of Steel Products for MRT Trains

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if Kobe Steel's falsified steel products were used in Singapore's MRT trains and whether remedies would be sought.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that no non-conforming Kobe Steel products were used in any MRT or LRT trains, including those under construction or replacement.
The Land Transport Authority works closely with manufacturers to ensure specifications are met and will monitor ongoing investigations into Kobe Steel's product quality.

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6 Nov 2017

Studies on Installation of Sound Barriers along Expressways

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Transport about LTA’s studies on sound barriers along expressways near dense public housing and additional measures to reduce noise from heavy traffic on routes like KJE and BKE.
The Minister responded that LTA is conducting trials of noise barriers on West Coast Highway, certain Pan Island Expressway stretches, and a new Braddell Road flyover, with positive preliminary results.
The Minister also stated that LTA is studying a road surface material designed to dampen traffic noise as another potential solution.

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6 Nov 2017

Review of Code of Practice for Vehicle Parking Provision in Buildings

Ang Wei Neng asked the Ministry for Transport to review the Code of Practice for vehicle parking in buildings, especially in the Central Business District, following the removal of the growth rate component in the COE supply formula.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that developments in the city centre already have flexibility to provide up to 20% less than the prescribed parking standards.
He noted that improvements to public transport and first-last mile connectivity have led to a review of parking standards for developments well-connected to public transport, including the Central Business District.

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6 Nov 2017

Measures to Prevent Future Flooding in MRT Tunnel

Minister Khaw Boon Wan acknowledged the members' questions on the MRT tunnel flooding incident, including findings, SMRT's awareness, preventive measures, and the possible appointment of a Committee of Inquiry, and committed to responding fully via a Ministerial Statement on 7 November 2017.
Members raised concerns about the frequency and redundancy of water pump maintenance, the capacity of flood prevention systems, and additional measures for unforeseen weather conditions in MRT tunnels.
Questions were posed on flood-resistance specifications in infrastructure tenders, fail-safe redundancy criteria, and whether future climate change impacts on rainfall are being considered.
Pritam Singh inquired about "deep-seated cultural issues" at SMRT mentioned by the CEO after the incident, while Tan Wu Meng proposed establishing an FMECA team to assess infrastructure failure resistance and identify vulnerabilities.

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6 Nov 2017

Cross-Border Railways Bill

The government introduced the Cross-Border Railways Bill to facilitate the construction, operation, and regulation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System, framing them as strategic projects to boost economic connectivity and bilateral ties with Malaysia.
The bill outlines powers for land acquisition and planning by the Land Transport Authority, with assurances of longer notice periods and environmental impact assessments, while addressing regulatory, security, and maintenance frameworks to ensure safe and secure cross-border operations.
During the debate, members raised concerns about equity controls, environmental and heritage protections, public feedback mechanisms, potential double punishment by regulators, and project timelines, with the minister confirming contractual safeguards and plans to engage stakeholders before finalizing details.
The bill was read a second time and referred to a Select Committee for further consideration, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing parliamentary feedback and ensuring thorough scrutiny of the cross-border railway projects.

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3 Oct 2017

Cross-Border Railways Bill

The Cross-Border Railways Bill was introduced to enable the construction, maintenance, operation, and regulation of railways between Singapore and Malaysia as per bilateral agreements, with necessary amendments to other Acts.
Second Minister for Transport Mr Ng Chee Meng presented the bill on behalf of the Minister for Transport, with the first reading completed and the second reading scheduled for the next Parliament sitting.
The debate focused on establishing a legal framework for cross-border railway projects, ensuring alignment with existing bilateral railway agreements and facilitating related legislative updates.

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3 Oct 2017

Measures to Handle Accidents where Passengers Fall onto MRT or LRT Tracks

The government has installed screen doors on all MRT platforms and is installing safety barriers on LRT platforms, with the Bukit Panjang LRT completed and Sengkang-Punggol LRT targeted for completion next year.
If a passenger falls onto tracks, they should alert others, and bystanders can use emergency stop plungers to halt trains and notify the Passenger Service Centre and Operations Control Centre, prompting power shutdown and dispatch of trained personnel until SCDF arrives.
Rail operators must inform commuters about safety practices through signs and announcements, and the LTA and SMRT are trialling video analytics to improve incident detection on tracks.

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