If you think creating the MRT train tunnels that Singaporeans travel in every day is as simple as digging a hole and laying tracks, that is far from the case, says Land Transport Authority (LTA) deputy director Alvin Sim. The engineer, who has been with LTA for 14 years, has worked on the tunnels for the Downtown and Thomson-East Coast lines, and is currently working on the Cross Island Line. 

As Singapore speeds towards its goal of expanding its rail network to about 360km by 2030, it is tapping some of the world’s most sophisticated machinery to keep the building process humming along.

Specialists like Mr Sim oversee the construction of tunnels to ensure they are safe and of high quality, while keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget.

Learn how Singapore builds the underground tunnel network that connects the city.

For the 39-year-old, helming daily meetings for such massive tunnelling projects to make sure they remain on track is par for the course. He sleeps with his phone within reach at night so he can immediately respond to unforeseen issues – such as groundwater ingress – and ensure that the tunnels are well constructed to enhance the nation’s connectivity.

“Like other developed cities with limited space, the more we harness our underground space, the more precious land area we free up for uses such as housing and recreation in land-scarce Sing...