2 Minor Problems To Be Addressed for Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link: MRT Corp

Artist Impression of the Bukit Chagar station for the RTS Link. (Image: MRT Corp)

The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project is currently facing two minor problems which have to be addressed.

When the two problems are successfully addressed, construction works can then ‘start in a big way,’ said the Mass Rapid Transit Corp (MRT Corp), the owner and developer for the Malaysian section of the project.

2 Minor Problems To Be Addressed for the RTS Link Project

MRT Corp said that despite the two problems, the project is ‘progressing well and on track to commence commercial operations in January 2027.’

1. Wadi Hana depot construction disrupted by one household’s refusal to move out

MRT Corp media conference for Updates on MRT Corp Projects on Tuesday (Nov 16). (Photo: MRT Corp/Facebook)

Chief Executive Officer of MRT Corp, Mohd Zarif Hashim, said that the construction for the depot at Wadi Hana is currently being disrupted due to a household’s refusal to move out.

In a media conference on Tuesday (Nov 16), he said that the matter is now being addressed by the local authorities in Johor Bahru.

“Hopefully, once the household moves out from the location of Wadi Hana, then we will be able to start construction of our depot,” he added.

2. Bukit Chagar station construction hindered by water pipes yet to be relocated

Bukit Chagar station construction site on Nov 14, 2021. (Photo: Southern Vengers/Facebook)

The second problem faced by MRT Corp involves construction work at Bukit Chagar, where the train station would be built.

Mr Mohd Zarif mentioned that construction works are ‘still pending’ due to the presence of water pipes in the vicinity. Several water pipes are linked to Singapore, he said.

“So we’ve got to do two things. First we have to relocate some of the water pipes away from Bukit Chagar to a new location. Secondly we have to also protect the pipes that have to remain in Bukit Chagar,” he explained.

RTS Link To Be Completed by End-2026

The RTS Link has an estimated capacity to transport up to 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction. When completed, passengers can look forward to seamless connectivity through Woodlands North MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).

Mr Mohd Zarif emphasised that despite the two problems, there will be no overall delays for the completion of both the Bukit Chagar station and the Wadi Hana depot.

About RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO)

RTSO is a joint venture formed in 2020 by Singapore rail operator SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT) and a Malaysian rail operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana). It will own, design, build and finance the RTS Link operating assets including trains, tracks and systems.

In addition, this company will also operate and maintain the rail line between Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Woodlands North in Singapore, including the Wadi Hana depot in Johor Bahru.

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Related Links
Thomson-East Coast Line – SGTrains
Network – SGTrains

External Links
JB-Singapore RTS Link on track despite minor setbacks, says developer of Bukit Chagar station – CNA [Accessed 17 Nov 2021]
Progress of JB-Singapore RTS Link on track despite two minor issues, says MRT Corp – The Edge Markets [Accessed 17 Nov 2021]
Progress of RTS Link project on track despite two minor setbacks, says MRT Corp – Malay Mail [Accessed 17 Nov 2021]

Images credit to MRT Corp/Facebook, MRT Corp/Facebook, Southern Vengers/Facebook.