A Chinese state-owned firm has won a S$199 million contract to build tunnels for Singapore's new Cross Island Line, with passenger service targeted for 2032.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Singapore is building a new subway line called the Cross Island Line. A Chinese company has won a contract to dig two tunnels between two stations. The new line will help people travel across Singapore more easily when it opens in 2032.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should Singapore prioritise international firms with proven track records, or is it equally sound to award major infrastructure contracts to foreign state-owned enterprises on a competitive-bid basis?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Singapore’s eighth MRT line takes shape as LTA finalises contracts for Cross Island Line Phase 2.
In a press release by LTA, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the final civil contract for the Cross Island Line (CRL) Phase 2.
The announcement was made on 15 August 2024.
Sinohydro Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch), a Chinese state-owned company, won the contract.
The contract is worth about S$199 million.
Here are some key highlights to note:
According to LTA, “The civil contract for the design and construction of tunnels between Maju station (CR16) and Clementi station (CR17) was awarded to Sinohydro Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch).”
The project involves building twin bored tunnels.
Each tunnel will be 1.4 kilometres long.
A slurry tunnel boring machine will be used.
This is due to hard sedimentary rock in the area.
Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Type | Twin bored tunnels |
| Length of Each Tunnel | 1.4 kilometres |
| Boring Method | Slurry tunnel boring machine |
| Reason for Method | Hard sedimentary rock in area |
LTA also awarded a separate contract for the CRL’s power supply system.
Siemens Mobility Pte Ltd and Concord Corporation Pte Ltd won this contract.
The power supply contract is worth about S$400 million.
It includes design and installation of electrical systems.
Here’s what the power supply contract covers:
Cross Island Line Phase 2 will be about 15 kilometres long.
It will have six underground stations.
The CRL will connect existing and future developments across Singapore.
Almost half of its stations will be interchanges with other rail lines.
The Cross Island Line will enhance connectivity across Singapore.
It will improve local commutes.
The project shows Singapore’s commitment to expanding public transport.
As quoted in LTA’s press release, “Construction works are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 and passenger service for CRL Phase 2 is targeted to commence in 2032.”
The Cross Island Line will be built in three phases.
All phases will be fully underground.
The project aims to serve existing and future developments in Singapore.
The Cross Island Line Phase 2 marks a significant step in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public transport network.
Should Singapore prioritise international firms with proven track records, or is it equally sound to award major infrastructure contracts to foreign state-owned enterprises on a competitive-bid basis?
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