Significant progress has been reported on the Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project, with Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos) from both nations preparing to grant RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO) access to civil structures by end-2024. This development will enable the commencement of rail systems installation work.
The project has achieved several key milestones, including the January 2024 completion of the 17.1-metre connecting span joining the marine viaduct between Singapore and Malaysia. Civil infrastructure works have progressed substantially on both sides of the border, with Singapore completing more than 80% of overall works and Malaysia reaching approximately 93% completion of railway infrastructure.
Malaysian works encompass the RTS Link Maintenance Depot, Bukit Chagar Station, and terrestrial and marine viaducts. RTSO has already gained access to the Maintenance Depot from 30 September 2024 for trackwork installation, with progressive handover of remaining infrastructure scheduled from year-end.
Singapore’s progress includes near-completion of marine and land viaducts, with remaining works focusing on architectural elements, roadworks, and installation of electrical and maintenance systems. Construction to connect the RTS Link with the Thomson-East Coast Line at Woodlands North station will commence in 2025.
RTSO will begin installation of rail systems from end-2024, including track laying, signalling, communications, integrated supervisory control, and traction power supply systems. The project has also completed the Viaduct Aesthetic Feature, a symbolic structure near the connecting span representing bilateral cooperation.
When operational, the RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore, offering capacity for 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Journey time between stations is expected to be approximately five minutes, with passenger service targeted for December 2026.
The system will feature co-located Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine facilities at both terminals, enabling single-point immigration clearance at departure. This bilateral infrastructure project aims to enhance connectivity and support economic and social development between the two nations.
