Enhancing Underground Infrastructure

To support Singapore’s growing infrastructure needs sustainably, we are enhancing the planning and coordination of infrastructure and utility services in underground spaces.

The Infrastructure Planning Authority Group (IPAG) was formed within Urban Redevelopment Authority to oversee the master planning of major infrastructure (network) plans across the Infrastructure & Environment (I&E) sector. 

Planning ahead

Our approach begins upstream with the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP), which serves as the foundation for all infrastructure development. Through the NIP process, utility and infrastructure agencies submit their 15-year infrastructure plans annually for review, ensuring that they are aligned with land use and development plans from the onset.

Coordinating infrastructure delivery

To strengthen the downstream implementation of infrastructure network projects, we introduced the Major Infrastructure Workflow in 2024. Under this workflow, Lead Implementing Agencies (LAs) carrying out major infrastructure network projects are identified and appointed to coordinate multiple infrastructure projects along the same corridor. The LAs ensure optimisation of underground space, reduce conflicts, support more coordinated implementation of infrastructure, safeguard provision of space for future infrastructure needs, and minimise repeated excavation and diversion works.

Overall, the workflow enables better coordination of major infrastructure projects across planning, design, and implementation among various agencies and utility companies along the same corridor.  

Enabling better decisions with data

We support this effort through digital tools such as the Infrastructure Network Planning & Alignment Clearance (INPAC) platform, which facilitates seamless communications, consultations and planning across multiple agencies. 

Accurate underground data is also critical. Our enhanced site investigation workflow improves the accuracy of underground utility data records through enhancing data collection processes, enabling better planning decisions, reducing construction risks, and minimising service disruptions.  

As Singapore grows and evolves, we will continue to refine our processes, and explore and adopt innovative solutions to ensure our underground infrastructure remains resilient and future-ready.