Underground Land Acquisition is one of the measures we need to put in place before tunnelling works can start to protect the integrity and ongoing operation of the new tunnels.
The Land Acquisition Act (1969) was amended in July 2020 to make sure the new tunnels being built could be protected.
With underground land acquisition, the land from 10 metres (or 3 storeys) beneath a property will be acquired. Importantly, the ownership of the land at the surface level (to 10 metres below the surface) will not be affected as it does not need to be acquired. The property owner can continue to live in, work in or rent their property like they do today.
In late 2024, we will know what underground land is required to protect the integrity of the tunnels. At that time, we will directly contact relevant landowners to start the process and share more information about what is involved.