The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has reached the halfway point in construction. Track installation from Malaysia is expected to reach Singapore’s Woodlands North station by July 2025.
RTS Operations project director Zahrin Abdul Gani shared this update on February 26, 2025. He stated that upcoming work will focus on critical systems including trackwork, trains, traction power, and integration of signalling and control systems.
The 4km rail link will connect Singapore’s Woodlands North station to Johor’s Bukit Chagar station. Passenger service is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.
Track installation began at the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru in September 2024. Over 65 percent of track work at the depot has been completed. This includes installation of track linings, rail tracks, and fastening components.
System installation works for signalling and communications will start in phases from March 2025.
Construction Milestones
The project reached a significant milestone in January 2024. Then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim marked the completion of a 17.1-metre-long “drop-in span” connecting the marine viaducts of both countries.
This concrete structure links Malaysia’s Pier 47 and Singapore’s Pier 48 above sea level.
Civil infrastructure works on both sides have reached approximately 65 percent completion, according to Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit Corporation.
Depot and Station Development
Media representatives were given a first look at the Wadi Hana Depot, located over 1km north of Bukit Chagar station.
The 14-acre (56,656m²) facility will have seven parallel tracks for train maintenance, repair, and storage. Trains for the RTS Link will be provided by Chinese company CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive.
Construction of the Immigration, Customs, and Quarantine facility next to Bukit Chagar station is also underway.
When completed, passengers will clear immigration only at their point of departure.
Traffic Management
The RTS Link aims to reduce traffic congestion on the Causeway. It will transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Trains will run from 6am to midnight. They will arrive at four-minute intervals during peak hours and 30-minute intervals during off-peak periods.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously stated that the RTS Link will absorb at least 35 percent of human traffic at the Causeway once operations begin.
Fares and Timeline
RTSO CEO Dr. Ahmad Marzuki Ariffin stated that fare information is not yet available. Fares will be announced closer to the start date.
Dr. Marzuki explained that fare determination will consider various factors, including currency exchange rates between Malaysia and Singapore.
The announcement on fares is expected in 2026.
The RTS Link project has faced multiple delays since its inception. Originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the project was suspended several times after Malaysia’s change of government in 2018.
The project is now on schedule for completion by the end of 2026.
Work to connect the RTS Link to the Thomson-East Coast Line at Woodlands North station will begin in 2025.
The RTS Link is estimated to cost RM10 billion (approximately S$2.9 billion). Singapore will bear 61 percent of the cost.
