Conversion of Huge Utility Stations in City Areas to Underground Stations

117 Mr Abdul Samad asked the Minister for National Development whether there are plans to convert huge utility stations in the city areas like power sub-stations and telecommunications stations to underground stations.

Mr Desmond Lee: URA’s long-term plan is to locate more utility facilities underground. This can be done for new utility facilities, or when existing facilities are upgraded, taking into account the feasibility and cost of the specific sites.

We have started piloting the development of large utility facilities underground. For instance, the construction of Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant underground freed up about two hectares of open green space for community activity and recreation. A 230-kilovolt underground substation is also currently being built at Labrador. It will be ready around 2025 and will free up about three hectares of surface land for commercial uses.

We will continue to explore opportunities to locate more utility facilities underground to free up surface land for other essential uses, including housing and greenery.