LTA calls tender for tunnels linking Thomson-East Coast Line to Changi Airport Terminal 5

On January 23, 2026, the Land Transport Authoritiy published a major civil contract tender for the design and construction of tunnels and a facility building between the upcoming Sungei Bedok station and the future Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5).

The project, designated as Contract T318, represents a pivotal link in Singapore’s rail master plan. Once completed in the mid-2030s, this 14km extension will transform how commuters reach the airport, providing a direct, high-capacity rail corridor from the city center and the northern regions of Singapore to the “mega-terminal” at T5.

Project Scope: Building the Underground Arteries

Contract T318 involves complex civil engineering works to bridge the gap between the current TEL Stage 5 terminus and the airport’s future eastern gateway. Key components include:

• Tunnels: Construction of the underground paths between Sungei Bedok (TE31) and Changi Terminal 5 (TE32).

• Facility Building: A dedicated structure to house essential power, ventilation, and signaling systems required for this stretch of the line.

• Geological Challenges: Engineers will likely face the difficult “Marine Clay” conditions characteristic of the eastern coastline, necessitating the use of advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs).

Seamless Connectivity and Faster Travel

The TEL extension (TELe) is designed to slash travel times significantly. Commuters traveling from the city center to Changi Airport are expected to save up to 10–15 minutes compared to the current transfer-heavy routes.

Furthermore, the extension will integrate the existing Changi Airport branch line (Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport stations) into the TEL system, creating a continuous loop that connects the airport directly to iconic districts like Orchard, Maxwell, and Gardens by the Bay.

Tender Details & Timeline

• Tender Number: LTA000ETT26000008

• Reference: T318

• Bidding System: A two-envelope system (Price-Quality Method) is being used to ensure the highest standards of safety and technical expertise.

• Closing Date: Submissions are expected by April 22, 2026.

LTMP 2040

This tender release follows the groundbreaking of Changi Terminal 5 in May 2025 and the recent operationalization of the new platform at Tanah Merah MRT in late 2025. By the mid-2030s, the TEL will span 57km with 11 interchange stations, connecting commuters with transport nodes on both ends – to the RTS Link at Woodlands North and to Changi Airport on the eastern end.