The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has been more than 16 years in the making, with the project undergoing several changes, a suspension and revised timelines since it was first announced in 2010.
The 4km cross-border rail link will connect Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, with the journey expected to take around five minutes.
Following RTS Operations' announcement on Oct 2 that passenger service is expected to begin in February 2027, here is a look at the key milestones in the RTS Link's development.
Timeline of RTS Link
- May 2010: RTS Link first announced, with a target completion date of 2018.
- January 2019: Then Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the project was behind schedule and could be delayed beyond 2024.
- April 2019: The project was suspended for six months at Malaysia's request as both sides reviewed its scope, structure and costs.
- July 2020: The project was officially resumed. Under the revised plans, the RTS Link would connect Woodlands North in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru.
- March 2023: Piling works for the RTS Link's Singapore section were completed, marking a key construction milestone for the project.
- January 2024: Singapore and Malaysia marked the completion of the connecting span across the Straits of Johor, linking the two sides of the RTS Link.
- November 2024: More than four-fifths of Singapore's civil infrastructure works had been completed, while Malaysian railway civil infrastructure works had reached 93 per cent completion.
- June 2025: The first RTS Link train was unveiled at the Singapore Rail Test Centre. RTSO said rail systems works were around 56 per cent complete.
- July 2025: Senior Minister K Shanmugam said the RTS Link was targeted to begin operations at the end of 2026, with preparations well underway.
- February 2026: The first RTS Link train arrived at Woodlands North Station for testing.
- April 2026: The Cross-Border Railways (Border Control Co-location) Bill was introduced in Parliament, setting out arrangements for co-located immigration, customs and quarantine facilities at both RTS Link stations.
- May 2026: The Bill was passed following its Second Reading and wrap-up debate in Parliament.
- June 2026: Law and Home Affairs Minister Edwin Tong visited Woodlands North Station as construction and preparations for the new cross-border rail service continued.
- September 2026: LTA announced the completion of Woodlands North Station, with its Temporary Occupation Permit obtained.
- October 2026: RTSO said all system tests and trial runs are expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2026. Taking into account the expected duration of the remaining works, third-party safety certification and approvals from both grantors, passenger service is currently expected to commence in February 2027.
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asyiqin.nadzri@asiaone.com
