22-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, bridging Johor Bahru and Singapore, has reached a remarkable 83% completion rate as of July, according to recent statements from Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
The ambitious project, set to revolutionise travel between Malaysia and Singapore, remains firmly on schedule for its grand opening on 1 January 2027. This development marks a pivotal moment in the region’s transportation landscape, promising to ease congestion and bolster economic ties between the two nations.
“We’ve made substantial progress on the RTS Link’s rail infrastructure,” Loke announced at a press briefing in London. “By year’s end, we anticipate granting access to RTS Operations Systems Sdn Bhd for the crucial installation of systems, including trackwork, rolling stock, and signalling.”
The minister’s update came following a landmark agreement signing between MRT Corporation and Coronade Properties, underlining the project’s momentum and the collaborative efforts driving it forward.
Parallel to the rail development, construction of the Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) in Bukit Chagar is advancing as planned. With the substructure complete, work on the superstructure is in full swing. Loke projected that agencies slated to operate within the CIQ would be able to commence equipment and system installation from August 2025.
In a broader context, the Transport Ministry is orchestrating a comprehensive traffic dispersal strategy for the Iskandar Malaysia region. This initiative, developed in concert with local authorities, aims to enhance infrastructure around Johor Bahru and optimise traffic flow across the city and its environs.
“Our vision extends beyond managing visitor influx,” Loke emphasised. “We’re laying the groundwork for economic growth and the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.”
The plan encompasses significant upgrades to land public transport, ensuring seamless connectivity to the CIQ Complex and the Ibrahim International Business District. Key road arteries, including Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Tebrau, are integral to this strategy.
To support this transformative project, the government is channelling over RM200 million into public transport infrastructure around Bukit Chagar. This investment is not merely a response to current needs but a forward-looking approach to accommodate future development.
In a move to enhance commuter convenience, MRT Corp is constructing a new multi-storey Park ‘N Ride facility at Bukit Chagar, offering 1,500 parking spaces. This will be complemented by an additional 781 parking bays at the nearby Coronation Square, courtesy of Coronade Properties.
