Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the first civil contract for the Downtown Line 2 extension (DTL2e) to a joint venture between Woh Hup Engineering Pte Ltd and Underground Technology Engineering Construction Pte Ltd. Valued at around S$326 million, the contract is for the design and construction of tunnels between DE1 station and DE2 interchange station on the DTL2e.
It will include the construction of two mainline tunnels and a tunnel connection to Gali Batu Depot, along with associated additions and alterations works within the depot. Construction of the project is expected to start by the second quarter of 2026, and passenger service for the DTL2e is targeted to commence in 2035.
Woh Hup Engineering is a Singapore-based company specialising in infrastructure and building projects. It is currently involved in the design and construction of Punggol Interchange station and tunnels for Cross Island Line-Punggol Extension (CPe) as well as Loyang station and tunnels for Cross Island Line Phase 1 (CRL1). Underground Technology Engineering Construction, which is also experienced in tunnelling works, is currently involved in the construction of tunnels between CR2 Aviation Park station and the Changi East Depot for CRL1.
Three bored tunnels under this contract, each approximately 1 km long and reaching depths of up to 21 m, will be designed and constructed beneath Sungei Kadut Avenue, Sungei Kadut Way and Woodlands Road. They will be built close to the North-South Line (NSL) and existing infrastructure such as Sungei Pang Sua and Pang Sua Canal. Additionally, a cut-and-cover tunnel will be built at Gali Batu Depot as part of a new Reception Track.
According to LTA, real-time monitoring and safety measures will be implemented during the tunnelling works. Together with the contractor, LTA will implement necessary mitigation measures to ensure ground stability and safe construction, and minimise impact to nearby stakeholders and infrastructure. LTA had also carried out a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and will implement all the necessary mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan.
The DTL2e comprises three stations. The first station (DE1) after Bukit Panjang station will be an underground station, located along Sungei Kadut Avenue. The new terminus for the DTL will be an underground interchange station (DE2) connected to a new aboveground station (NS6) between Yew Tee and Kranji stations on the NSL.
When completed, the DTL2e will enhance rail connectivity in the north-western region, and will shorten travel times for commuters travelling to and from the north and north-western parts of Singapore. It will provide improved access to existing and new growth areas such as Yew Tee and the future Sungei Kadut Eco-District, as well as amenities such as the Rail Corridor and Pang Sua Park Connector.
All images: LTA
