Indonesia has announced its plans to build a 7km sea bridge to connect two islands in the Malacca Strait.

Connecting the two islands of Batam and Bintan, the bridge will be built at the cost of $284m. Construction of the bridge is expected to be completed in three to four years.

The bridge is a part of Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s plans for a $400bn infrastructure push, reported Bloomberg.

The Indonesian Government intends to position Batam as an alternative shipping hub to Singapore that can have the potential to attract $60bn of investment.

Currently, the ministry responsible for public works is preparing a feasibility study and reviewing engineering designs. It intends to complete these by the end of 2019.

With construction of the bridge, Indonesia plans to capitalise on expansion of Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is developing a fifth terminal with transport connection to Bintan.

In addition, Indonesia expects the bridge to cut logistics costs, as well as boost road connectivity and tourism in the area.

The government is also exploring the feasibility of linking Peninsular Malaysia with the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

In February, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded a S$615.9m ($456.7m) contract to Shanghai Tunnel Engineering for construction of a section of the North-South Corridor (NSC) tunnels.

Under the contract, Shanghai Tunnel Engineering is responsible for constructing an 800m-long dual three-lane road for the NSC tunnels.

Work also includes construction of an MRT station box and commuter facilities, including pedestrian bridges, bus stops, sheltered walkways and cycling paths between Sin Ming Avenue and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3.