JB-Singapore RTS Link on track for end 2026 target – SG construction half way there, MY one third

This is an update on Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will connect Bukit Chagar in JB with Woodlands in the republic. Based on CNAThe project is on track for completion by the end of 2026 and construction on the Singapore side is already half way through.

Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran commented on the progress in JB yesterday during his visit and work at the RTS Link Project Maritime Viaduct site in JB. As for the Malaysian construction part, transport minister Anthony Loke said it was about a third.

“Work on the Singapore side of RTS Link is progressing well. And we have completed about 50% of the civil construction work for both the overall rail infrastructure and the viaduct at sea. In short, based on the progress made by both parties, we expect to be ready in time to begin passenger service by the end of 2026,” said Iswaran.

He added that the next major milestone for the RTS project is the “drop span bridge” connecting the two sides of the viaduct and that event will be celebrated by the prime ministers of both countries early next year.

Meanwhile, Mr. Loke said Malaysia is confident to complete the project by December 2026. “As of April 30, the overall progress of railway infrastructure (Malaysian side) has reached 36%, ie. 1/3 of the project. For the sea viaduct, which we visited today, the actual progress is 30%,” he said.

In a nutshell, RTS Link is a cross-border rail service with a large capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction and a journey time of approximately five minutes between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands stations. The project is now entering its final stage after several stops. Here is a brief summary of the tumultuous journey.

In July 2021, then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong meet at Causeway for a signing ceremony marks the official resumption of the RTS Link project. Launched in 2018, construction of the RTS was scheduled to begin in 2019 and was scheduled for completion in December 2024. However, it was suspended in April 2019 at the request of Malaysia. when the Pakatan Harapan government considers all major projects.

In its current form, the RTS project is different from the original plan. While maintaining a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour, the line will no longer utilize the Thomson-East Coast Metro Line (TEL) in Singapore. Instead, it will be a standalone LRT system. In addition, instead of TEL’s Mandai Warehouse, a new warehouse will be built in Wadi Hana, JB.

It will continue to feature co-location of CIQ facilities, so that passengers only clear customs once, at their point of departure. Each government has designated an infrastructure company to finance, construct, own, maintain and innovate civil infrastructure and stations within its territory up to international boundaries.

In 2021, it is reported that Malaysia’s share of RTS costs is RM3.7 billion and will include the construction of Bukit Chagar station and a four-story CIQ complex, a Wadi Hana warehouse, and viaducts across the center. downtown JB and more. Strait of Johor to the Malaysia-Singapore border. Bukit Chagar Center will be a transit oriented development with mixed property development and duty free shops.

Groundbreaking took place in November 2020 to mark the start of constructionwhile funding agreement signed by both countries in November 2021.