Navigating Complexity: Tunnelling Success for Singapore’s Cross Island MRT Line
Location: Singapore
Industry: Infrastructure
Project Overview
The Cross Island MRT Line (CRL) is Singapore’s longest fully underground rail line, spanning over 50 kilometres and connecting key residential, industrial and recreational hubs across the island. Phase 1 of the project, which includes 12 stations stretching 29 kilometres from Aviation Park to Bright Hill, began construction in 2023 and is slated for completion by 2030. The CRL is designed to reduce travel times significantly while enhancing connectivity for over 100,000 households.
Client Challenge
Our client, a tunnelling contractor responsible for boring critical sections of the underground line, faced significant challenges due to Singapore’s complex geological conditions. The tunnelling route passed through areas with varying soil types, including hard granite and soft marine clay. This variability posed risks of equipment damage, delays and cost overruns. Additionally, the alignment skirted environmentally sensitive areas such as the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, requiring strict compliance with environmental regulations.
Our Role
Selma Consulting provided advisory services to ensure smooth project execution while mitigating risks. The team conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of the tunnelling process, identifying potential hazards linked to ground stability and water ingress. Selma Consulting developed a procurement strategy for advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) capable of handling mixed ground conditions efficiently. To address environmental concerns, Selma Consulting worked closely with the client to implement a compliance framework that adhered to Singapore’s stringent environmental impact mitigation measures.
Outcome
The client successfully navigated the technical complexities of tunnelling through mixed ground conditions. The procurement strategy reduced downtime by 18%, ensuring that TBM operations remained on schedule. The environmental compliance framework allowed construction activities near sensitive areas to proceed without significant delays or penalties. As a result, Phase 1 of the CRL remains on track for its 2030 completion date.
