29-11-2024 (SINGAPORE) The ambitious Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has reached a significant milestone, with authorities announcing plans to begin integration works with Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) in 2025.
Transport officials revealed today that more than 80 per cent of Singapore’s civil infrastructure works have been completed, marking substantial progress in the cross-border rail project. The integration will take place at Woodlands North station’s basement level, creating a seamless connection between the RTS Link and Singapore’s existing MRT network.
In a joint statement, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, and RTS Operations (RTSO) outlined the remaining tasks, including architectural finishing, roadworks, and the installation of essential systems such as immigration facilities.
The 4km rail link, scheduled for completion by end-2026, aims to transform cross-border travel between the two nations. With a capacity to transport 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the system promises to significantly reduce congestion on the notoriously busy Causeway, offering a swift five-minute journey between the countries.
On the Malaysian side, construction has reached 93 per cent completion, encompassing the maintenance depot, Bukit Chagar Station, and associated viaducts. RTSO, a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia and Singapore’s SMRT Corporation, is poised to begin installing rail systems by late 2024.
A notable achievement was marked earlier this year when former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim celebrated the completion of a 17.1-metre connecting span linking the marine viaducts between both nations. The project’s symbolic significance was further emphasised by the installation of an architectural feature near the connecting span, designed to represent clasped hands – a metaphor for the strengthening bilateral relationship.
Singapore authorities have indicated they will begin granting RTSO access to civil infrastructure by year-end, while Malaysian counterparts have already provided early access to the maintenance depot, demonstrating the project’s steady advancement towards its operational timeline.
