Enhancements to canal will enhance its capacity to convey 30% more stormwater
Singapore, 23 October 2026 – National water agency PUB has completed drainage upgrading works along the entire 2.3 km Upper Bukit Timah Canal (BTC), following the completion of its final 900-metre stretch from Rifle Range Road to Jalan Kampong Chantek, near King Albert Park MRT station.
2 Works on the final stretch began in October 2019. The canal was widened and deepened to enhance its capacity to convey stormwater. Once trapezoidal in shape, it has been converted into a U-shaped drain and box culvert, allowing it to convey 30% more stormwater. This follows enhancement works along the upstream section, from Jalan Jurong Kechil to Rifle Range Road, which were completed in 2024.
3 With the completion of these works, the upgraded canal is equipped to better cope with rainfall intensities comparable to the storms that occurred over the past 15 years. This strengthens flood resilience across an approximately 1,000-hectare catchment comprising homes, commercial developments (Beauty World Plaza, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and Dunearn Village) and key transport nodes, including Beauty World and King Albert Park MRT stations.
Upper Bukit Timah Canal before (left) and after upgrading works
4 To carry out the works safely while minimising disruption along Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road, traffic was progressively diverted, and replacement lanes were provided to create the temporary workspace required for construction.
Progressive efforts to enhance flood resilience
5 Bukit Timah area has historically been prone to flooding. Its valley topography forms a natural basin that channels stormwater quickly into the low-lying canal. Coupled with urban development, BTC has had to cope with more stormwater runoff, while space constraints mean there is limited room for expansion of the canal.
6 Over the decades, drainage infrastructure in Bukit Timah has been progressively enhanced to reduce flood risk. Under the Bukit Timah Flood Alleviation Scheme introduced in the late 1960s, the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal1 (BTFDC) was completed in 1972 to divert upstream stormwater to Sungei Ulu Pandan. The Bukit Timah Second Diversion Canal (BTSDC) followed in 1990 and directs stormwater towards Kallang River.
Three drainage systems serving Bukit Timah
Three drainage systems serving Bukit Timah
7 Today, the Bukit Timah catchment has three separate drainage systems, with stormwater from each section of the BTC directed towards different downstream waterways. Please refer to Annex for an infographic on BTC.
• Upper Bukit Timah Canal, spans approximately 2.3km from Beauty World to Maple Avenue, directs stormwater through the BTFDC to Sungei Ulu Pandan.
• Middle Bukit Timah Canal, spans approximately 5.1km from Maple Avenue to Balmoral Road, directs stormwater through the BTSDC to Kallang River.
• Lower Bukit Timah Canal, spans approximately 2.5km from Balmoral Road to Serangoon Road, conveys stormwater through Rochor Canal to Marina Reservoir.
Long-term flood resilience against uncertain rainfall patterns due to climate change
8 PUB will call a tender for a feasibility study at the end of 2026 to identify longer-term solutions to strengthen flood resilience across the entire Bukit Timah catchment, amid increasingly uncertain rainfall patterns due to climate change. The feasibility study will assess a range of flood mitigation measures, including underground detention structures, that may be considered in the future. It will also explore integration with existing infrastructure and future developments, as well as opportunities to enhance public spaces.
9 “The completion of upgrading works along Upper Bukit Timah Canal is an important milestone in strengthening flood resilience in one of Singapore’s most challenging catchments. Given Bukit Timah’s topography and land constraints and increasingly intense rainfall due to climate change, very intense storms can still overwhelm the catchment. We will continue to improve drainage and raise roads where feasible, while taking a holistic review of the catchment to identify more integrated solutions for the longer term. We need to plan ahead today so that we are ready to implement the right solutions when they are needed,” said Ms Angela Koh, PUB’s Deputy Chief Executive (Flood Resilience).
10 No drainage system can eliminate flood risk entirely. PUB will continue to encourage members of public to remain vigilant during heavy rain and take appropriate steps to stay flood-ready. Ahead of the year-end Northeast Monsoon season, PUB will launch its third annual Flood Resilience Campaign to help the public understand how flood risks may affect them and encourage everyone to take practical steps to prepare for floods.
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Footnote:
[1] PUB completed major upgrading works to the BTFDC in 2019 to enhance its stormwater conveyance capacity by 30 per cent.
Annex - Infographic on Bukit Timah Canal
